Perhaps it had something to do with the sun, which I got a lot of, since I went camping with daughter Andrea, my Mom and Dad, and my brother and SIL, on Saturday and Sunday.

  Maybe it had to do with finally taking a destination train trip.  Oh, I’ve taken the train at Central City before, and the one in Moore Washington, and the Utah Heber Creeper; but, last Tuesday I boarded the train for a trip over the Continental Divide, through the beautiful Rockies and on Thursday I enjoyed the return trip as well.

Then again, I did a lot of riding (which I love) and no driving (which I hate).  I did a bit of shopping and was inspired to return home and create some “glorified denim,” which was in the neighborhood of $79.00 in the tourist towns and which I will edit and construct for around $20.00.

But, perhaps, just perhaps, it was a good week because I felt empowered; no longer at the mercy of those who manipulate, dictate, or insinuate for power.  I am too old not to notice such games and too self-aware to play along.

On Friday, June 29, 2007 I learned that my job of the past 15 months had not been funded for the fiscal year beginning Monday, July 2! I found this out after declining a different job at the same institution which would have paid more and offered benefits and a couple of stress producing features (extended driving, commuting, and quotas); and while in the process of interviewing for yet a third position.  I chose not to take the stressful job, packed my office decor and personal items, drove home and booked myself the train ticket.  I am 53 and it is OK for me to be decisive and to have a little break after 15 months of non-stop responsibility. It is also OK for me to be intentionally about the business of those 10 things I want to do before I die.

I spent Monday and Tuesday at college orientation with Andrea – this too feeds my spirit, because it is a joy to see the person she has become and to participate in her plans for education and a future.

I am home now–and job hunting, but still savoring the last few days. 

Before I turned 40 I began writing books.  I began teaching Language 101 and Manners 101 to my toddlers even through I said I would never home school.  I loved playing the piano.  I loved precisely rolled and folded fresh laundry neatly tucked exactly where it should be.  I loved being a stay at home mom, yard-sale-ing; and I baked tons of bread and stretched chicken and beef to nourish my family on a very limited budget. Aside from budgeting and laundry; what did I want to do with my life?

I wanted to return to Colorado before I died.

I wanted to be a published author.

I wanted to be the quintessential Proverbs 31 woman.

I wanted to mentor younger women and be mentored by older, wiser women.

I began to say that my “Fantasy Island” would be performing on the stage at Red Rocks.

I wanted to find the best public education possible for my kids.

I wanted to spend time around stages, microphones, studios and musicians.

I wanted to invest my life, make a difference in my world, and make a difference in the lives of others.

I wanted to travel and see places unknown, via plane, and train, and auto, to experience “the good life,” in all its changing forms.

I wanted to be a person of knowledge and influence. 

Well, Gentle Reader; the list contains 10; some general, some specific; yet remaining consistent through the intervening years; plumb with much of what I desired even in childhood.  When we meet again I will endeavor to assess how I am doing; which goals are met, which are yet to strive for.