Thursday, April 12, 2012

Where to begin...

For 3 months I slowly sipped and stirred a cocktail of sickness, death, tears, exhaustion, drama, waiting, guilt, reconnecting, moving, unpacking, throwing away, treasuring, remembering, forgiving, loving, and letting go. I hope and pray that I never have to experience so many intense emotions in such a short period of time ever again. My heart can only take so much, or so I believe.

Here we are, finally able to emerge on the other side of the chaos, with eyes clear enough to see evidence of God all over the place, especially with our new home and surroundings. The move to Baton Rouge has been the one bright spot in the scary black sky that hung over us for too long. A sky I feared was intent on drowning us with a poisonous, unrelenting downpour.

We absolutely love, and excitedly embrace, the laid-back lifestyle here. And our new home! I'm completely smitten with every square foot. Of course guilt sets in when I realize we could have done this years ago and had more quality time with my mom. :( But as Ann Landers said, "Nobody gets to live life backwards."

25 comments:

TexWisGirl said...

really good to see you here again! i was wondering if you were going to complete the move or return to the Dallas area. i am glad for you that you are settling in. your new home looks beautiful, and a laid-back lifestyle is a very good thing! :)

Anonymous said...

So good to see you back! I was wondering if you'd stay in Baton Rouge or move back to Tx... Looks like a wonderful home to settle into!
God bless you =)

Anonymous said...

happy to see you back. beautiful new home :)

Anonymous said...

Welcome back!

Starla said...

WELCOME BACK!!!
Your new home is CHARMING. Throw away the guilt and ENJOY

hootnonny said...

I pray that happiness will be the prevalent emotion in your new home and your new life, Gail. Am glad that you are somewhat settled. You've been thought of every day as I checked my blogs. Now I look forward to more posts and your awesome photography!

LindyLouMac said...

I know the original reasons for the move were sad ones, but it sounds like it was meant to be, good to have you back blogging. Take Care.

Kathy said...

You new home is lovely. Hope to see your return to photography soon!

Lisa Gordon said...

I came here to see if I could find your e-mail address to drop you a note, and here you are!!!

Welcome back Gail!

xo.

Barbara said...

So good to see you back. You've been on my mind and in my prayers for the past few months. Your new home is beautiful and I'm happy for the upbeat tone of your post. And I love the quote. I'll keep it handy!

Charlotte Wilson said...

Yay! Gail you are back! My blog world is now complete! :o)

I am so sorry that you have been through so much lately. Don't suffer guilt over not moving earlier. It was not the plan.

Enjoy your new home and life! I can't wait to hear more from you!

Hugs,

♥charlotte

the wild magnolia said...

i feel happy for you
no guilt
everything has
its own time.....

Karen @ Pieces of Contentment said...

Pleased to hear you are slowly but surely moving through this intense season, it can't be hurried. Wonderful to see the blessings coming your way in this new season. Your home looks amazing and a beautiful setting too.

Shug said...

Hi Gail...I am so happy to see you back blogging...I know that this has been such a long, bumpy road for you and your family...
So many emotional ups and downs have crossed your path, but God has been there in every step along the pathway. I have had you on my heart for some time now...
Love your new home...Great things are coming your way! Hang in there and know that you are in my prayers.
hugs

Laura Delegal - Leroy Photography said...

So glad to see you getting back, Gail. I thought about you earlier today and wanted to stop by to check on you. We went through a scare with my hubby several days ago and are emerging on the other side now. I know that God has perfect purpose and timing. Your home looks beautiful and I hope all goes well and some normalcy returns. Have a good week.

Michelle said...

I've been thinking about you, Gail...glad you're back! So sorry about all the emotional stuff you've been through these last few months. Your new home is beautiful. Enjoy all your new beginnings in Baton Rouge. Starting over somewhere fresh after a death of a family member can be a very good thing. I think the timing might be just right.

{{{Take care}}}

Unknown said...

I have missed you here in blogland. I missed seeing all your lovely photos. You new home is beautiful. And I do believe we all would change things if we could live life backwards. So don't beat your self up!!

Hugs, Linda

janjan0000 said...

You've been on my mind, girl, and I'm so happy to see an update from you.
I've been on this journey you're on and it's a hard one. Much love and strength to you in the coming months, years.
I hope that your beautiful new home is a fresh beginning for you and that you spend a ton of happy hours decorating and planning and growing.
Much love, friend xoxo

Hilary said...

That's a lovely home, Gail. Do yourself a big favour and let go of that guilt. You were there when your Mom needed you most of all. Hugs to you.

Tricia said...

I've been thinking of you, hoping you were okay. I'm glad to see you're getting settled into a new life and a new sense of normal. Don't be too hard on yourself about your mom...remember that God put you where you were supposed to be there at the end. xo

Tina said...

Hi Gail, so glad you are back and that you have emerged on the other side of the chaos. And what a blessing to be able to see God's finger prints all over the place...where would you be with out Him...I'm sure that's scary to think. Your new home looks beautiful...enjoy it for the blessing it is! Looking forward to hearing from you again.
Take care, Tina.

Anonymous said...

So glad to see you back and on the brighter side of life! Your house looks absolutely lovely and can't wait to see your stunning photos again!

beth said...

this is so beautifully written !!

you have been thought of so often....and now i know you're okay.

enjoy your laid back lifestyle. i believe you truly deserve every hour of it.....xo

Michelle said...

Gail, I'm so glad you're feeling stronger and as though the intensity of these hard months has lifted. Its wonderful that you and your husband are loving your new home. And that love of Baton Rouge is something your mother also had- that's a good emotional connection to have to your new home.

Evelyn S. said...

Well, this blog answered the question I posed to you in the e-mail. So happy that you are happy about the move.