August and everything after
Sean has chosen to live with his father, and it’s difficult to live without him in my every day world. I’m overcome with tears frequently, and every time I see his photo, I feel a huge part of me is missing. But, perhaps he is happier there. I can’t be sure, because he doesn’t want to communicate. I hope that someday he will change his mind and want to talk to me about anything–everything–mother and son things, friendly things, anything, really. Nothing will ever stop me from loving him, and I believe he knows that. I will always hope for a reconciliation.
Seamus’ first job at McDonald’s is going well. He genuinely enjoys it, and seems to have learned how to do nearly everything there in the first few days of employment. I can’t express how gratifying it is to see him happy, after so many years of struggling with depression. Happy Seamus is a gift! Next stop: driver’s license and buying his first car.
Sam’s job is going well, too. His employer recently threw a company party, which was evidently extremely wild and incredibly fun. He’s at the perfect age for such things, yet he remains a responsible, kind, and respectful young man. Samuel fills my heart with joy every single day! If you meet Sam and you don’t like him, then you frankly just do not like people at all, because Sam is the best kind of person there is.
GiGi has begun middle school, and had her first “close contact” brush with Covid-19. She turned up negative, thankfully. Playing the harp, snuggling me in the middle of the night (even though three of us do not really fit in the bed!), and growing up way too fast, she is everything a fifth grader can be–in that ever-changing world of “the tweens.” She and her friends still like to talk to Tim and me. They call me “bestie” even though I’m a middle aged lady who knows nothing about TikTok dances.
Tim and I are planning an anniversary trip soon. 11 years of marriage coming up. We remain firmly in love.
All four dogs and four cats are doing well. We now have four birds, as well, so the symmetry between kids/dogs/cats/birds is interesting, isn’t it?
There’s a blue moon tonight. A good night for meditation on upcoming goals and heartfelt desires.

An Honest Woman, Montana Brides #2, is out on audiobook. I’m admittedly putting more energy into promoting the forthcoming Miss Fitz Discovers Midlife Magic by Red Tash, but I’m quite proud of my historical adventure romance books, as well. There’s a secret project also coming out soon. I suppose I’ve gotten quite a bit of work done this year. I miss having a paycheck, but I couldn’t have done it without the time, so I don’t have any regrets on focusing on writing. Here’s hoping it pays off.