Not sure how to say this

I'm a little embarrassed about how long I've been gone. But I think you'll understand. And since it's almost the end of February - and I sorta promised I'd be back in February... I'll write you a quick update right now.

I know there are weirdos out there who read my blog. I mean there have to be - but it's okay. There are *MORE* non-weirdo/totally wonderful people who read my blog. And it's with you that I'd like to share some personal news, since you read me, and follow me, and support me.

In December, Mike and I made the excruciating decision to end our 5+ year relationship. We loved each other very much but our end goals in life were different. In a situation where two people are supposed to be growing together, we were growing in different directions.

He moved out mid January and said goodbye to Lucca and me. And we haven't heard from him since (which was our agreement). And while life has been quite difficult without him, I know it's the right thing for us.

But let me not forget to mention how many, MANY, MANY friends and family I have in my corner. (Not that there are corners to be taken... but you know what I mean.) It was a piece of cake to fill every single day in the first month he was gone - with friends or family. Loneliness was almost not present. (I said "almost"). And without a second mouth around to feed my cooking and baking to - I've been having more people over as well. Don't you wish you lived close by?!

So you'll please forgive me if I'm keeping rather busy and not spending a lot of time at home on my computer in the evenings. I'm doing really well, however. The love and support of friends and family will do that to you. Not to mention I'm a pretty self-disciplined person so I just won't let myself sit around and wallow. *beginning of PSA: I'd always, always urge any of you to not let yourself sit and cry about anything for days on end. Crying for a bit to release toxins and pent-up emotion is good. Crying by yourself and not seeing sunshine or friends, and not eating or showering - that's bad. *end of PSA.

Thank you, my blog-readers for being patient while I've been gone. No promises about the frequency with which I'll be posting in these next few months. But I've finally started to feel an inkling of interest in getting back to it. I hadn't even picked up my camera since Christmas - but finally did last week. All I need is time.

"While keeping Mom company I also keep her chuckling"

And let's not forget one of the biggest reasons I'm doing rather well. Miss Thang in the picture above. When evenings are lonely there is an excuse to talk to someone other than myself. I heard this somewhere recently and I love it:

"When you have a dog in your house, you have another heart beating inside your home."

I will never be alone.