Sometimes it’s hard to know what to write when a month or two has passed. It’s not that I don’t have something to say – I am never at a loss for words – maybe how much to say? Or how to put it?
I’m moving into a new phase of my life. It began last November when I chose to leave the organization and work that I have done for over three decades. It was the right time and the right choice for me. I am grateful for the opportunity to have saved many thousands of lives and raised many millions of donation dollars for this organization. It was wonderful. But now, I have other things to do.
Almost all work in my life has involved healing others, whether humans or animals. I believe it’s why I’m here. I recently spent a period of time needing to take care of and healing myself after some medical procedures and the accompanying stress, but I feel myself pulling away from that period now and re-focusing on where I’m going.
In a sense, it’s a question of `what do I want to do/be when I grow up?’ from a whole new perspective. It’s challenging and occasionally a little frightening, but I feel myself, from someplace deep inside, starting to gather strength. And I am seeing myself unfolding in ways that would not have been possible those three decades ago. And it’s all good.
My first children’s book is now released, and I will be promoting that and hopefully, meeting lots of excited kids and more. I am soon starting some workshops in helping people self-publish, and plan on advancing other graphics skills I have to help people. How this will all come together is still unknown, but I trust it will be exactly as it should be.
One gift I have been given and which inspires me is, believe it or not, Instagram. I am an artist, but also a photographer, and have loved taking pictures all my life. Now I have the opportunity to be yet more inspired and post my images. All my life, I have also loved music, and over the last 7-8 months or so, this has been expanded immensely. And for a major portion of my life, I have loved going to museums, and recently I have been inspired to get out more, once again, and see art, which feeds my soul. And to do my own art, however that seems to be making itself known, and surprising me as much as anyone.
Some days feel a little shaky, occasionally outright scary, but others are just glowing with promise. All is well.
Still A Dreamer 
Congratulations on your book’s publication, Jeanne, and joy in this new part of your journey! I’m certainly excited to see where it leads…you have so many talents firing that it sounds like great bouquets of creativity will be blossoming! Lucky world!
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Thank you, Kitty, and for saying the world is lucky. You know that whatever I do it’s going to be something trying to make it a little better. It’s so nice to have you and your wonderful wishes beside me. Thank you. 🙂
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It looks like you have a general list of many fun and valuable projects to keep you busy. At first you may feel: “I am not doing enough”; don’t let that worry you, because you have the rest of your life to get it done.
Though this WordPress is sometimes aggravating, it is a good connection with many others in the same boat~! So take your time and soon you are going to gravitate to those projects that give you the most pleasure. Spoken by someone who has been there and is still enjoying every day of it. SAM
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Thank you for your words of encouragement. Yes, I do believe as I go along that it will become clear what is working and what is not, and what is my right path and what is not. Thanks!
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Wonderful post, Jeanne. I have no doubt you’ll continue to reach each and every one of your goals … and more. I believe in you. BTW, I love the picture of the boy with your book, and the stone lion is beyond fabulous.
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Thank you so much, my friend. And you know your support means so much to me. 🙂
Tx on the photo and the lion. 😍🦋
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Jeanne, congratulations on the publication of your book. I’m so excited for you, and it looks lovely:)
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Thanks, Becky! Knowing people are actually receiving the books they ordered – they’re sending me texts with photos – is suddenly making it all more real! Scheduling a launch. Woo Hoo!
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Wonderful!
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Best Of luck with this new chapter in your life. I realize the other day I haven’t seen any blog posts from you and hope all was well with you. I retired in June from the law firm I worked at for 31 years. Three months later, I was asked to come back on a temporary basis because my replacement had literally just walked out. So, I’m doing a little work from home on a temporary basis. My husband, William had hip replacement surgery last month, so we are dealing with that rehab and will soon start physical therapy. To continue with ‘care’ For what I need and what I would like to pursue,
I have decided to get back into training classes with both our sheltie and our cavalier. The Cav, Bruce Lee, a present from me to William two years ago. I also hope to start therapy visits with Bruce Lee beginning this fall, as long as he tests his therapy test this Sunday. Life feels good!
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Hi Kathy, so nice to hear from you! Sorry for the delay, juggling things here. No, there was a real lull in the posts while I dealt with some oral surgery, eye surgeries, and all the stress that both brought along. So finally, I started posting again. But I am very active on Instagram, if you’re there – @jeannebalsam You know me and taking photos. 🙂
So glad to hear that you’re getting back into something so fun. If I had a dog, I’d be wanting to do agility, but right now, I have to use that for some other (productive) things. Best of luck. Also, with Will’s recovery. Leaving someplace after a long time when it feels right is important. Good for you!!
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