I've been blogging since 2008. I started out determined to blog everyday for a year, both to find out if I loved to write as much as I loved to think about writing and to prove to my husband that I could stick with a project long term, rather than flit from one to another. ( I love to learn new things.)
I didn't quite make everyday for a year but at 234 posts that first year, I don't think I did too badly!
In spring 2001 I attended the Master Gardener's course through the Devonian Botanic Gardens and received my certificate later that year so of course I wanted to blog about gardening! (Who knew I would end up blogging about so much more than gardening??)
I blogged as Diary of a middle-aged gardener, which, when I wasn't quite middle aged, seemed rather cute. After my cousin Faith, who lives in Washington state, recently mentioned that her family knows me as the middle aged gardener it didn't seem quite as cute. After all, now I am middle aged!
The next few years were filled with rampaging hormones ( middle age, remember?). This caused a serious case of anxiety that just hung on and on. I posted sporadically and thought often of just quitting altogether.
I couldn't do it though. My blog was a place I could write about the good things going on in my life . . . a reminder that this wouldn't last forever . . .
In August of 2012 I was diagnosed with melanoma. Skin cancer. Cancer.
I had cancer!
God has been gracious to me however. Although it had spread to my lymph nodes and I had to have a radical groin dissection with a muscle transfer, I am now cancer free. I still have a ways to go in my recovery and things will never be quite the same again but . . . I am still here!
I have been blessed with the opportunity to love my husband and kids, to develop the talents God gave me that I might show His love to those around me and to take full advantage of all the beautiful possibilities this world offers . . .
Cancer changes the way you think . . . about everything.
You no longer assume that you have time to do something later.
You realize that faith, family and friends really are the most important things in the end. That letting fear hold you back from trying new things, taking risks or following your dreams makes no sense.
All we really have is right now and right now should be lived to the fullest. . .
I am a wife, a mom (to four lovely young men and women), a Master gardener, daughter of a baker, aspiring photographer, crafter, seeker of beauty in the everyday, adventurer and small business owner who loves to write.
Welcome to A Life of Whimsey . . .
Philippians 4:8 NIV
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.
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