Love really does make the world go around...

With the passing of Valentine’s Day this week, I have been thinking about all the different kinds of love there are, and how many I have had the good fortune to have shared. Unfortunately, this also highlighted the ones I haven't or made a complete hash of, but you can't make an omelette without breaking eggs, right?
Or I can't, anyway...
I miss not knowing my dad and I really wish I had never known my mum. (But that's another story altogether!) Then there were two husbands one after the other that I'm glad I don't miss in the slightest.
I was told once a long ago that I had two brothers somewhere, and they are possibly what I think I miss the most.  Sometimes I watch Anita's son and daughter and really envy their relationship. They do fight and argue sometimes, but they are always there for each other, instinctively knowing what each of them needs and offering it before the need to ask.

It would appear that missing things is one of the saddest aspects of growing old and I don't care for it too much.  I don't want to spend the time I have left complaining about this and that, bemoaning what was or what could never be.  My life has been what I could make out of it, good or bad and I have come to the conclusion that I'm not the kind of person who will waste any time worrying about all the ifs and maybe's. What's done, is done. (Or not, as the case may be...)
I was wondering what to write about this week, when I realised Valentine's Day had come and gone. It got me thinking about all the people and things I love now. (And what with the weather and all, I did need the reminder).
I love that I have the strength of my family around me.
I love that I still have most of my health, and some of my mental faculties. (More important than I ever thought it could be)
I love that I have learned so much these past months, mainly from all the wonderful people I meet online each day. (And I thank you all from the bottom of my heart)
I love that I have finally written my book. (And loved every minute)
I love people like Carol Hedges who, through her advice, patience and humour has inspired me so much.  http://carolhedges.blogspot.com/
And Jeff Goins who always has brilliant ideas to help you be a better writer. His '500 words a day' system really does seem to work. http://goinswriter.com/
The brilliant Valerie Poore for being a friend when I needed one. If I could be like anyone, it would be Valerie. She is an extraordinary writer and she lives on a boat!  http://wateryways.blogspot.com/
And for friendly technical advice, there is always Jonathan Gunson. His book 'The Merlin Mystery'  drove me crazy for nearly six months, but everything he writes is like opening a treasure chest!  http://bestsellerlabs.com/
Claudette J Young, for taking the time to explain to me exactly what 'thought verbs' were, and how much better your writing is without them!  http://claudettejyoung.com/
And the brilliant Roger Colby for his helpful advice and support when I needed it most. http://writingishardwork.com


This list could be longer, as I have so much to be grateful for and so many people to thank. As and when my brain remembers who they are, I will post their names here, for you are all beautiful people.
See you all next week...Jaye