“The sun shines and warms and lights us and we have no curiosity why this is so; but we ask the reason for evil, of pain, and hunger, and mosquitoes, and silly people.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

As I mentioned already, journaling has been a great outlet for me on this grief journey. Another surprising outlet has been arranging flowers. I’m no florist and arranging flowers is the last thing I thought I would enjoy. One day a few months after Richard died, I created an arrangement and found it to be cathartic. I began creating arrangements on a regular basis. I look forward to this and it brings me peace and contentment. I grew some wildflowers to use in arrangements as well. Next spring my goal is to grow enough to have arrangements all season. Who knows…I may have to build a green house for winter.

1. Permission To Mourn – Tom Zuba
2. Becoming Radiant – Tom Zuba
3. It’s Ok That You’re Not Ok – Megan Devine (I could not read this one very early in my grief journey)
4. Grief One Day at A Time – Alan Wolfelt
5. Healing After Loss – Martha Hickman
6. Jesus Calling – Sarah Young
7. Hope and Healing for Transcending Love – Ashley Bush
8. The Year of Magical Thinking – Joan Didion (did not use for journaling)
9. A Grief Observed – C S Lewis (did not use for journaling)
10. Leave Your Light On – Shelley and Ryder Buck (did not use for journaling)

Since my husband Richard’s death on October 17, 2020, I have journaled almost everyday. I shared a few thoughts about books I’ve read, feelings, ways I’m grieving, etc. on Facebook. When sharing, I’m not looking for pity or advice, but I fear it may come across that way on FB. I share for me. If what I share helps another person in their journey, that’s great! So I decided to attempt to blog. I will share thoughts, pictures, books, quotes, and other things that help or inspire me here. Thanks for visiting.