Very early Thursday morning, I learned that Angela O’Neil, the woman who had lived at the farm next door all the years I was growing up in the hamlet of Dover Centre, had passed away. I was greatly saddened to read this. Angela was a lovely woman, who was a ‘second mother’ to many of the kids who lived in Dover Centre, on top of being a mom to 13 of her own children. The O’Neil farm was a place that was often bustling with activity what with all the kids coming and going!

Angela was kind and always had a smile on her face. She baked cakes with money in them for her kids’ birthdays and I loved getting invited over to share in both the festivities and in that cake full of wax paper wrapped coins. Sometimes, I would get invited to tag along for a drive into Chatham, the car being at capacity for passengers with all the kids who came, too. My mom didn’t drive, so it was a welcome change to get away from the ‘same old, same old’ of downtown Dover Centre. From Mrs. O’Neil, I learned that you could fry bologna (yum!) and also received instruction on how to stop a nosebleed after banging my face off her front porch railing, doing something silly, I’m sure. I also learned that laundry for 8 or 9 people is a never ending chore! She let us plink on the piano and never said anything, even though some of us had no clue what we were doing; the noise didn’t seem to bother her. Every year, she made homemade treats for Halloween. I was particularly fond of her popcorn balls. In that house, I experienced acceptance and inclusivity, as I was always welcome. This meant a lot to me because growing up, I was that awkward kid that didn’t quite fit in.

Angela was very good friends with my grandmother, Irene Ellis. It was heartwarming to see their friendship continue to blossom over the decades that they were neighbours. I may be wrong, but I thought I had heard that when the time came for each of them to move on from the hamlet, that they chose to live in the same retirement home. That made me smile. These days, people seem to drift in and out of friendships, but theirs stood the test of time.

I haven’t lived in Dover Centre for over 25 years. When I drive through it now, I’ve noticed that much has changed, but the memories of all the years I spent there are still clear in my mind. The O’Neil house back in the day was busy and noisy at times, but more importantly, it was filled with love and governed by a woman whose heart was big enough to care for all the kids who came to play over the years.

Rest in peace, Mrs. O’Neil ♥

Wow, it’s been quite a year! A year of growth, changes, and losses. It’s hard to believe that my little side business, The Publishing Shop, is nearly a year old! I have had a lot of fun with it and have learned a lot in starting up a new business. Indigo Bohemian Art Studio became a thing this past summer when I realized I had a real passion for acrylic poured painting. Who knew that my little art website would branch out into my own YouTube channel? It wasn’t so long ago that I would have laughed in your face if you told me I’d be doing that. I used to think, who me? But now I often think, why not me? *smiles* For the most part, I’ve maintained the weight loss I experienced in 2017 and I was really blown away yesterday when a good friend thanked me for being the inspiration for her to try the keto diet and lose a bunch of weight for herself. It meant a lot because the main reason I share such personal glimpses of my life on social media and in my websites is to inspire others to step up and aspire to make the dreams they have for themselves come true! (Check out the Dawnings files tab at the top of the page if you want to know what that keto stuff is all about!)

Not all of 2018 has been sunshine and smiles. My stepmother Rose, lost her battle with emphysema almost a year ago, and not a day goes by that I am not reminded of her. She is missed by many but I know she’s at peace now. Unfortunately, Donald Trump is still president of the United States despite his law-breaking ways and his knack for bringing out the worst in people. Syria and Yemen don’t make the news like they used to, but the people there still suffer war and famine. But despite the rainy days of sadness and the helplessness felt concerning human catastrophes that seem impossible to fix, there is so much to be grateful for in this life.

As for me, I have my health back after years of struggling to move or breathe. I often find myself regretting the years where I did nothing to improve my health, but I know I need to turn my eyes to the present and the future and try make the most of the time I have left here on this blue marble. I have good friends who make me smile and look out for me. My husband Paul who loves me unconditionally and brings laughter and light to my daily world, and who gets behind my every scheme with full support. My children who have made me so proud by growing up to be awesome individuals who care about others and delightfully have the same warped sense of humour their mother has. I have a home, a warm bed and ample food, clothes to wear, and almost all the art supplies and musical instruments that my heart desires. In many ways, I feel like I’m finally blossoming into the woman I only dreamed I could be years ago. It’s funny how time and a little courage can change your point of view, from “I can’t” to “I can”! I’ve experienced a lot of healing from my past that has allowed me to look at life differently. Instead of worrying about what people think or being so afraid of failure that I don’t even try, I’ve found a place in my head where I can take the limits off of life and shoot for the stars. It took most of my life to get to this point, but I’m so glad/thankful/pumped to be here!

I’m so looking forward to 2019. No longer do I fear growing a little older, as I’ve become a little wiser and a whole lot more appreciative of the little things as I’ve aged. I’m on a mission to pack as much as I can into the years I have left, and maybe even leave a small but indelible mark on the world showing I was here. 🙂

A very Happy New Year to you all, and may you find love, light, peace, joy, warmth, laughter, health, gratitude, prosperity and the fire in your heart to reach for your dreams in 2019.