The past two days were spent moving my daughter and her roommate from their, very funky, typical college old Richmond apartment to their new, very modern, very clean 2 BR, 2 bath apartment in a secure building. They are very lucky and very happy to have such a beautiful place so close to everything they need for school and living. A BIG MOM YAY!!!!

My Move Rant:

It was so bloody HOT during the move! I was only helping to put things out of the way in the new place, put some things together and clean some of the dusty things from the old place, but the new apartment AC wasn’t cooling very well and it stayed at 76 degrees all day.  I was pouring sweat all day, with nothing to eat or drink. The movers did a crappy job AND ripped us off for an extra $100 they never mentioned in our booking them or during the move, so the girls and a young man friend finished up 3/4ths of the move of boxes, bags and misc. lamps and electronic bits like cables. cords and power strips.  Luckily the young man worked in AC and checked the AC filter (which was installed incorrectly for access) when the move was almost done and found it totally clogged with gray dust and dirt.  He washed it and put it back, with a bit of struggle.

~End Rant~

We then went out for some dinner and WATER, and had a fantastic waiter who brought us all huge mug after mug of ice water. I told him when we ordered our sodas and juices that we’d spent all day moving so he went all out with kind service. After we were done eating the waiter offered us 2 extra sandwiches that, he said had been made incorrectly and that he couldn’t eat because he was full. THAT WAS SO NICE! This is a restaurant familiar with starving students and I’m sure he must have known there would be no food in the new place until some shopping was done. WHAT A SAVIOR! THE VILLAGE CAFE has great food, with breakfast all day, and great service. I WILL RETURN!!

Now I am able to relax back at home with my wonderful family and my doggies. I’ve arranged to have the next few days off from work to relax and spend some time with Jamie before she goes back to Richmond and college full time. Her roommate is able to enjoy the new apartment by herself for a few days with her little dog, which she has not been able to do before the new place which allows pets. Jamie will be taking her new dog, Louise, an Olde English Bulldog, back with her too and we are confidant that the 2 girls will get along. Louise & Molly, new buds!

We are all blessed to have a safe, beautiful place for the girls and a comfy home base. Jamie’s best friend, from her early years in VA, is back from Provo after several years separation. What a wonderful time they’ll have reuniting and planning their future! Life IS Good!

Last night I met a new friend who enjoys INK as much as I do. She has more than 5 times as many tattoos as I do. She started a bit earlier and also has collected some from her travels around the world. We are closer in age than my other Inked friends. We also share the same INK artists so that is how we met. Charon Henning is our current MOST EXCELLENT artist and is quite a fascinating person. She is known as <a href=”http://www.oddangel.com/”>The Most Dangerous Beauty Alive</a>. Please visit her site and enjoy all the unique content, you will definitely be amazed and intrigued.

This evening Charon will be doing some new art for me, and, my new friend will join us for another evening of INKY FRIENDS camaraderie.  After being marooned for the entire Winter and much of Spring in my house – JUST FEELING STUCK and LOGEY – it’s been wonderful to go out JUST FOR ME , AND to meet a new friend.

I’ve also tried to be supportive and helpful to my OTHER artist who now resides in California. She is going through a divorce and making a new life for herself in LA. Though we’ve never been close friends, I’ve always admired her personality, strength and talent. She did a wonderful tattoo for my daughter a few months ago and was quite kind to her in the process. Fortunately or Unfortunately, depending on your point of view or reference, her EX did Jamie’s first tattoo. He was just as kind and talented and I’ll never forget that. Hopefully time will heal their wounds and their friends will be able to forget the awkwardness of co-friendship. I admire them both for their beginnings and support them in their futures.

ON TO THE FUN DAY!

Jamie is the light of my life. I love being with her and miss her when she returns to school. She is so kind, loving, smart and brave. I want everything wonderful and beautiful for her…but I know she’s finding her own path and has to experience everything that she wants to.

Just make them HAPPY experiences!

I am so glad he lives here in our home sharing his thoughts, aspirations, dreams and goodness. He warms our home with his love and laughter.

I Love Larry!

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
Martin Luther King Jr.

I’ve searched all my life for what I could believe as the Truth.
I found along the way many untruths and half truths.
Deceptions and fantasies blossomed in my Life’s Garden.
But I’ve weeded my way to this year; I am 59.

I write as a means of expressing my personal growth and my expectations of the life surrounding me, realizing I create it, but what will come will come
~ I really am learning to allow rather than demand.