I bet you'd never guess ...

You know there is a lot that goes into 80 years of living. April 15 I will celebrate my 80th birthday. As you might guess I've been considering how I got to 80. It just so happens that my life has been absolutely lived, absolutely!

For some of us particular birthdays are like a time to evaluate and think about the age we are becoming before that particular number. Remember adding "a half" when you were a kid? Indicator that we were in a hurry to grow up, to reach a particular age. Maybe the age of an older sibling and a lot a times it meant we would be allowed to do something or have something when we get to be that age.

Turning 80 is different. It's kinda funny to imagine now instead of saying I'm 79 and a half, it's probably more like digging my heals in the ground in an attempt to slow down and not get there so fast. Not that I don't want to be 80. Actually it's kind of a prize. What's really interesting is the looking back.

At this age I'm the only one remaining in my family. The Mom and Dad are gone and my only sibling also. I grew up living with my grandmother on my Mom's side living with the four of us for about 12 years of my life and of course she is gone. My husband is also gone 17 plus years ago. I have 2 daughters and for the youngest daughters family I'm the only grandparent for her children.

I don't spend a lot of time on a daily basis thinking about how life use to be, but it can be interesting as I continue having birthdays. Most people I know, even those I've known for a long time don't know a lot about my life growing up and that's because it was different. I didn't live in the same town between birth and 18. I didn't grow up with the same friends through those years. Where a lot of the people my age that I'm friends with remember their elementary school teachers' names. Even their class mates all through school. 

I have never been to a school reunion which use to be the thing to do for some of my friends. Even now I have a friend that goes to her high school reunion every year. I don't remember any of the names of the other students I went to school with at the school I graduated from.

Just a peek at the states I've lived in with a designated break between high school and the rest of the years. Here goes: Texas, California, Florida, Nebraska. Total number of cities in that time:, 8. (the different houses and school changes not reflected) After high school graduation the states are:South Carolina, North Carolina, New Mexico, Florida, North Carolina Texas, North Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Texas, North Carolina, Hawaii, North Carolina, Texas, Texas. Rwanda Africa.The number of cities: 21. I went to 14 different schools in 12 years. I moved on an average of every 2 and a half years. The first house I remember was in Fresno, California on Wilson Avenue and we moved from there when I was in the 4th grade. Our new home was in the country and I attended the Lone Star Elementary School just outside the Fresno City Limits. I have to say that was the best of all my youth moves because a dog came with the grape orchard, house, barn, several out buildings and an irrigation tank turned into a swimming pool. AND I got to ride a school bus. 

Certainly not a boring life. It's good that I have the personality that I have. I thank God for that. I've been able to look forward to the next new home, next city, next state, even next country with great zeal for what was ahead in life for me. Always an adventure. And today? Today is 1 week to my birthday and I'm moving to a Senior apartment complex across town and it's a gift from God, who gives good gifts. Hopefully, and I believe here, that it's my last move until I move to Heaven. I say it's a gift of God, from God because of the way it has come about and that it has every element that I've done without since 2006 at the passing of my beloved husband and my life completely changed. Every area including my living conditions meaning the places I've lived since have been less than what I thought I wanted.

I've learned to live without and now those elements of home are being restored in such a remarkable way and I give Him the glory for this gift He is giving to me. I move in to my new apartment May 1st.  Totally unexpected and it shouldn't have been possible...but it's happening anyway. That is for another post. My post title "I bet you'd never guess..." probably should read, "I would have never guessed!".

In these present days I'm packing and making all the necessary decisions and doing the work to prepare for the actual day I move. I have about 3 weeks left to wind it all up and these days are not without bumps and puzzles regarding decisions. The "but what about.." questions pop up daily but daily I'm assured when God gives a gift He gives it completely leaving nothing out, so there's nothing to worry about along the way. I'm learning so very much about trust and hope and taking one step and one day at a time. Talk about an exciting trip I'm taking on the way to occupying his gift of home to me.

I started writing this post a couple of weeks ago and today is the actual day to post it. Not sure when the next post will be. Quite possible after moving day May 1st...guess I'll just wait and see. Hope you enjoy reading this one. Please leave a comment, even just a hello would be great. Until the next one, Look up, move forward and enjoy the day. Surrounded by boxes I am...Judy

A surprise!

 First time bloomer this color was unexpected in my front flowerbed...

maybe a goodbye ...sure is pretty.

 What a Surprise!!!  An absolute Surprise!  Unexpected and beyond my plan...

A lot has happened since my last writing and with all of that, I'm jumping to the now of it all. The IT is I'm moving May 1st out of my present place into the above half of a duplex. It's amazing to me.

I was in the midst of relinquishing my present apartment for 2 weeks while the new owner renovated my apartment,when things went down a different road than I expected in the process. I decided I needed to find another place to live so I started the search online as well as contacting realtors I know personally to be on the look out for a rental house not an apartment.

I got lots and lots of feed back and toured a couple of places when a particular senior complex came into view. As I looked at and considered house living and the cost and care, one of my realtor friends was pointing me towards a condo and suggesting other options other than a house. So, when the senior complex came to my attention I went out to look at it and toured one of the units. Turns out many of the units were a duplex that looked like two little cottages connected. Each having a pitched roof over the front porch with the porch looking like the porch of the house I spent the first 12 years of my life in.

So many things to consider in this whole process, and what I was looking for I thought, was a two bedroom, one bath house with a fenced yard and a carport or garage would be nice but not a deal breaker.  The duplex that I toured had two bedrooms, two bathrooms, an attached garage with a door into the living area, a dishwasher, builtin microwave and connections for a washer and dryer.  I applied!

A consideration, a big consideration is that I'm low income and I have a choice voucher from the city housing authority which will pay a large portion of my rent so everything has to pass through them. I applied anyway. I just knew it was right. This morning I got the final approval and I move in on May 1st. Of course I know what was on my want list but...BUT when I was approved for a two bedroom, two bathroom apartment with a garage I was blown away.

The voucher reads 1 bdrm/1 bath. The apartment manager called the housing authority to clarify that and found that I am eligible for this apartment even though I'm a single person. I was and am astounded that I'm getting such a cute little place in a really nice complex, I have a yard I don't have to mow. I can have flowers outside as long as they are in containers, (because the mowers will mow over everything) and personalize the front and back porches. The kicker was the garage is included and I will be paying less by just a couple of dollars than I am currently.

The way I see it, it's all God's provision and He answered my request by giving me more than I actually asked for and my living expenses will not be as much as living in a house would have been.  I am not bragging as in "look and see what I'm gonna be moving to." I am saying look what God has done for me with his unmerited favor.  I haven't earned it, and it's not about me, It's about Him and His character.

I've struggled to make ends meet since my husband passed away 17 plus years ago and I see this as a gift from Father God just because he wanted to. So, I'm making all the necessary arrangements to move with packing and finding a mover I can afford and scrambling to work my budget so that I can pay all the deposits, and there are many, to get into the apartment on May 1st and it's coming together.

I don't have a picture of the outside of the building so that's why I posted the floor plan and hopefully next post I'll have a picture of how cute these little duplexes really are. The roads that lead to each of the duplexes is narrow and winding throughout, the complex and just adds to the "neighborhood" look of it.

That's it for this post. I've a lot of packing to do but I have time and I am gonna have some help as I go along. Thanks for reading. Please, take just a moment and leave a comment. I would love to hear from you. I've had just a few comments and they aren't from strangers and that's who I want to hear from.

I mean it folks, I truly would like to read what you say so find that place that says "comment" and just do it. And thank you very very much if you do.

Let me say this before I go. After reading this it sounds so simple and maybe even easy but not so. I've had to learn these last 17 years how to live on one paycheck. I was 60 when my husband passed away. We were living on my paycheck, his paycheck as a realtor, his military retirement check and doing pretty well. We had a 3 bedroom house in a nice area with a home owners association, a park and a pool in our housing development which was maybe 20 years old. 

After my husband died, I tried to continue as a new realtor in taking over my husbands clients but I couldn't get my head together and I soon quit. I then tried working with a temp agency but couldn't seem to stay, and there were a couple of good jobs that I just walked off of. As life continued I finally gave up trying to work because for the first time in my life I couldn't hold a job, so after a couple of years I gave up and was down to just a Social Security check. I became low income, but I've done okay,  it's not been an easy thing to do. I've struggled learning how to live within my means,

 aware that I am getting below poverty level income and status.  Today I'm a bit above the poverty income numbers.

I do know now from experience what so very many seniors have and are experiencing as aging starts really messing in your life and when you loose the ability to earn a paycheck, what a life changer it is. I'm one among many seniors that have and are in the same category since not being in a position to work a job and bring in a paycheck. It's not an easy transition, especially if you didn't plan for it, living in the moment. I'm exceedingly thankful as I write this post.

It's me, Judy and this time I'm sitting up in bed writing with Milo in his crate at the foot of the bed, in a place where I can see him. His door is open so he can choose to get in my bed if he decides he wants too. At 12:15 pm I'm saying goodnight and God Bless....Judy and Milo too!

Change...interesting word, interesting outcome...makes life interesting!

 Seems that all around me things are changing. Everything is changing. Since my last post...just the other day...you know my housing has changed. Funny thing is happening on my way to April 15th this year, I'm changing to 80! Now there's a number! 80!

How does it feel? I dun-no! Actually, it feels great, absolutely great. Interestingly, I'm younger. Yes, younger. On the inside, still in my 30's, on the inside of my head that is. The body, well that's another issue. Though things are changing there too, my outlook on the whole thing is surprisingly upbeat. I'm the most comfortable with myself than I have ever been. I do things that I want to do. Want as in choose to do. Not from a selfish point of view but rather a considered decision based on is it a good thing for me and others to do what I think I want to do. That's a whole other take on living if you truly think about it.

In the past I did things because, I should...someone told me to...I had to...it was the right thing to do...there wasn't a choice...it's what I always do, etc.. It's different now, oh, it's the same but the thought behind why I do what I do is different. I do consider the why of it. Truly, I think about why and do I really need to or want to or should I. I have a new freedom to choose. It was always there only now I'm brave enough to look at the choice. Seems like my choices now are acceptable to myself. In other words I'm happy with my choices more so now than before.

Why now?

Maybe because I've lived through so much life. You know, good, bad, hard, easy, life and death. I've been around the block so to speak. There's just not a lot of really new things going on around me that I haven't experienced in some way or another. Someone said "most crisis' last just 2 weeks." followed by "you can do anything for 2 weeks". Of course that 2 weeks isn't scientifically calculated but the idea is a good one. When all things are considered in any crisis how bad is it, all things considered? Of course that depends on what the crisis is, but think about it. Two weeks in time isn't very long at all. Only while you are in the midst of that 2 weeks.

Well, I'm talking about this because in just a couple of months I will turn 80 and I feel better now than I have in years in all areas of my life. I'm more at liberty in nearly all aspects that I can think of. I live alone which has great advantages if you don't get bogged down in being lonely, and that can be a decision to be made. I do pretty much what I want to do. I'm a crafter and I like to write and paint and build things. I've learned how to rewire a chandelier, work on a clock, build with power tools and repurpose things for my purposes. I don't do without much. If I need something I can usually make it and that is invigorating to me. I have a real tool box with power tools, a 3 step ladder, work gloves, paint brushes, sand paper and all kinds of things to use to make the things I want or think I need.

One day I decided I needed a foot stool so I made one out of a cardboard box an old pillow and material plus hot glue.  It lasted several months until I got tired of it and threw it away.  My friends think I can do anything...I can't, but I can do what they think they can't do. Because I think I can.  Is what I do perfect, or will it last a life time, probably not but it does the job for me and that's all I need.

Part of my life now is attitude. I don't pay a lot of attention to what other's think about what I do or what I wear and stuff like that. Not anymore. Just that adjustment in my thinking has freed a whole aspect of life up for me. I choose to enjoy everything. I choose to laugh, make fun of hard things and say nice things. I choose to think good things and enjoy as much in a day as possible. I don't watch a lot of news or anything that is unpleasant. I already know about that side of life. I know it exists and I choose not to entertain it in my life. I pray about those things when I think I'm suppose to but I don't worry about things I can't change. I've learned to look to the written word of God in the Bible as my life guide and do what He says to do in life. He's got me covered and I know that so there's nothing for me to worry about. After all, He loved me first and has known me before I was in my mother's womb. He is after all the Creator of all that there is and with that in mind it's up to me to Love Him first above all else.

I'm Judy and I'm writing this from my new makeover bedroom/ craft room combo of which I'm delighted to be in this evening. Hope you are well where you are and content with your life. God Bless You and good night.

                                                                             Milo                

Honestly Speaking

 Well hello! I have a favor to ask of you.

I know, I don't have any leverage over anyone who stops in on my blog so I'm not trying to pull something here.  Really!

Look, I don't claim to be old or anything!!! But, I am aware that I'm not up on all the ways and means of blogging. I haven't read up on the whys and wherefores', etiquette or anything. Honestly speaking, I just got on here, opened/signed up for a blog and here I am. I don't know what is customary and another thing, I'm trying to get my post read by more than 7 people. Well, one time it was 9.

So here's my request after all that honesty. I'd love to hear from YOU, If you've gotten this far in this writing this time around. Would you please comment? I would like some encouragement in writing here. And...

If you are feeling gracious and have the time and inclination leave a comment on how I might draw readers. I know, I know...I've sorta read how to do that but...I don't get it. Plain and simple. I added words that I think will pull up when people search and other than that, what else.

Should I try to make money like a lot of bloggers do? 

Is it possible that my subject matter isn't interesting enough?

Don't like my style? (if that's what ya' call it)

I sure need some advice, some help, some kind words if you are so inclined. And if it's my age, well, it is what it is! 

Should I have a specific topic of conversation throughout all my posts. Like should my blog only cover or talk about a specific topic? Would that be read?

I also know it's a busy time in this world, I hope some, more than one of those who pass through, will leave a generous comment and help this blogger/writer out.

Yours truly, Judy

the pic is of me and the museum artifact behind me...a group day trip.

 There it is...the front cover of my first ever book to be released soon. I'm just thrilled about becoming a published author at 79.  Would have never, never imagined that this could possibility become a reality for me.

I've been writing a long time but not for publishing. Mostly journaling over the past 10 years. I have written some stories but never published or even really thought it possible. And, yes this is a self published book. Let me explain...

Use to be there were publishing company's that would evaluate a manuscripts, decide whether or not they thought it would sell, hand the author a big check, publish the book with very little revenue going to the author.  Well they won't take a manuscript to even look at it. They won't accept a manuscript unless you are already a best selling author. Then there is a protocol to follow. 

Today, if you want to have a manuscript to publish you can but you have to pay up front or some will allow a payment plan. Your manuscript is received if it follows the publisher requirements. So for me to get published I had to have a particular amount of words. Mine exceeded 300K.  Then it had to be typed in MSWord.  

This type of publishing use to be called Vanity Press mainly because the author was charged a large amount to have the manuscript published. Not true anymore. Because the Self Publisher changed their way of publishing and the costs they are quickly becoming the best way to get a manuscript published. 

There are a couple of other options and they may all be free, I don't know.  Ebooks through Amazon, Barnes and Noble and there may be others. You can always google and find more information.

So, for me it was the best choice to find a Christian Publisher first then look for the least expensive I could find and then contact them to see what i would have to do. My next move as it get's closer to release is to arrange publicity for it's release and I don't know anything about that..

Very shortly I will be finding out what I need to do and how to do it...I'll be doing a post about that when I know anything....

It's Saturday, I'm in the cottage with Milo and it's not yet noon in Lubbock, Texas with an afternoon temp of 98...that's hot!

Hope you have a good weekend....later

For the Senior Citizens-Open your blinds

 I just wrote a post yesterday. And now I'm back because I wanted to change my picture to a more current one and the one I like best. In that process it occurred to me that I've gotten one comment and it's from a local fried of mine. Every time I post, I look at the stats to see if anyone is stopping  by in to read. There are a few sometimes and none at other times. 

The reason I have this blog is because my book is about to be available to anyone who wants to read it either in paper back or e book "Without Spot or Wrinkle" is the title. I read somewhere that I should have a website so that's the first reason I set this one up. Also I've had other's in the past. Some I lost all the posts and a couple are somehow attached to this blog.

First, I just like to write. Second, I have things to say to my age group that I believe are helpful and encouraging in the living day to day. If you are a senior and you read my post...any or all...please, oh please leave a comment. If you aren't a long typer just to say hello would be great. I have no other purpose for asking this of my readers other than to be encouraged in the hello. You become more than a number to me and I'd love that.

If you have something on your mind, I'd love to read about it...maybe, maybe I can help, or not. I'd really like to get some conversation going...two way. So, please consider leaving a comment and let me know you've read a post and even what you think of it, and of course be kind even if it's negative.

As a side note, and fyi, I live in a senior low income housing complex. All my neighbors are seniors. Some are very active and others are on the low end of active and the ones I'm referencing aren't disabled. I don't know them all or even most, just a few. At least half no longer drive. I drive a Toyota, standard shift. 

Anyway, I just wanted to put that out there in hopes that I might get some comments on the posts I put up. Hope you will and appreciate those that read whether comments are left or not...

I'm Judy in my cottage with the sun blaring through my front window leaving stripes from the blinds all over the carpet, chair and wall. It's a beautiful morning in Texas.

Without Spot or Wrinkle publishing update

 Boys Howdy, what a week this has been and more exciting stuff coming up ahead and my headlights are on and I'm shifting gears moving forward with the publishing of my first ever book, Without Spot or Wrinkle. 

Just at the end of this week the final reports and editing are turned in and I've been notified that the next phase of publishing is beginning this week coming. Now, it's all about the cover. I've already chosen some things and they are: a glossy finish of the cover, cream color paper of the pages inside. The team that does the cover will pull together a cover and place the text on the front as well as the photo and bio on the back of the cover and send a copy to me for review. 

Having sent them my idea for the cover it will be interesting to see what they have designed and since they are the pros in the area of outward design it's gonna be fun to see. I can hardly wait. Not sure what the time frame is but I'm sorta expecting a week or two. It'll be terrific if the book is released before Christmas. I'm hoping!

During this past week my patience was greatly tested by my computer. It has a new monitor, keyboard and mouse but an old hard drive. It's operational standard is in the slow mo gear and so I have to wait a long time for any response at all. This week wasn't a good time for it's type of behavior and so yesterday I ordered a refurbished hard drive and it will arrive on the 14th, just a few days from now.  I can hardly wait because of the huge difference it will make in my productivity. Yipee!

As mentioned before, I've started on number 2 book but haven't gotten very far with it because I'm still involved in the first book's production process, however the number 2 is cooking and I'm eager on getting stuff on paper. The preliminary chapter outline is written, and scriptures gathered. I've lots of commentary reading to do as well and I truly look forward to that. Adding other research material to my bank of information is fun...I' a gatherer right now. 

The yard sale went well but I have residue left for the next yard sale. I hope to be able to join with someone else by adding my stuff to theirs, but will see if that can happen. In the mean time have been invited to store my boxed up items in a friends garage. I live in an apartment and have no storage space except for the car. It's very sweet of my friend and I'm preparing the stuff to take over to her place this coming week.

In the between times I'm gathering stuff to redecorate my friends apartment which will be the week after the 17th of September.  I've talked to a friend about the project and she's gonna help me when the time comes. Presently I'm collecting and making stuff and nearly finished, just waiting for a shipment to arrive. Have some preliminary stuff to do in the apartment and I'll be doing that until the shipment is here.  Things like taking down what's presently on the walls and finding things to place on the bedroom walls because I'll actually be doing the bedroom too out of necessity. Much of what is on the living room walls will be stored and what doesn't go with the new theme will go in the bedroom, like personal pictures of family etc. It's gonna be fun.

So that's it for this evening in the Cottage. I'm Judy with Milo whose reclining on the back of the love seat where he has the best view of the parking lot. Blessings for now...