Where She's Fixing Her Life By Looking Backward (!)

“Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls."   --- Jeremiah 6:16

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So this gorgeous, color-filled-and-blue-sky weekend we drove over to our former town, the one with Autumn Cottage. 

We'd signed up for the big drop-off-your-old-paint-and-cleaners event and wow! We didn't even have to step out of the car, for they removed our items for us. How organized and nice the folks acted.

And you know? While driving around that vintage-looking town, I recalled my myriad days of just plain happiness, almost a giddy kind, those nearly 15 years.

And that bothered me. 

Why aren't I that happy now here in the town next-door where, frankly, we've mostly got it better? I mean ok, I'm 18 years older than when we moved away. I've experienced cancer, covid (twice), fibroid and thyroid and walking issues and various non-ailment, emotional stuff, but still.

When I recall our 15 years here at Hobbit Cottage, they're not heavily frosted with an equal amount of joy.

And what's up with that?

Well, later that afternoon at home I wrote a list called, Ways I Lived Differently In ________ (our former town) and oh my. Seventeen+ items popped onto that list! Gee, that's quite a lot. Just a few of those? --

We went to movie theaters more often.

I was waay more creative.

I took far more walks through old, picturesque neighborhoods.

We did lots more countryside drives and estate sales.

I spoke to many folks while out and about.

I read more books.

I often drove to the river's edge, read, and drank decaf while looking at the water.

There's more, but you get it.

And then I remembered; years ago, Joyce Meyer said something like, "If your life now feels wrong, go back in your mind to when things felt right. Recall what you were doing at that time, then do it and move forward."

Good, hopeful advice.

Now, am I meant to do all 17+ things on my list? Nah, not all of them, for changes do happen (as they should). But some, yes. These past few days I've returned to a handful and wow! Already I'm noticing a difference in my attitude and you gotta love that.

And well, to start checking things off the list, we actually, after 5 whole years(!) drove to our local movie theater. No stairs anywhere so Tom easily used his rollator, we got a senior discount, we shared a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup pack, just the two of us sat in the theater so we chatted freely, half the prevews appeared promising and oh yeah, Tom said it was the best dog movie he's ever seen which is saying something since he's watched them all.  ツ

(More about the movie, below.)

Anyway, we returned home energized. Felt different mind-atmosphere-wise, thankful our legs held out ok, and glad we'd made that decision to get out amongst our fellow townsfolk. 

For as Jesus would have us all remember, 

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house."   --- Matthew 5:14, 15

And it's important to Him that we recall the lost ones and get out and spread that Light so they can live bright, joyful lives, as well.

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And the movie at the theater?

We saw Heart of the Beast and I'll always feel grateful we did, but I'm not sure I can recommend it due to 'language' (perhaps 7 instances) and many scary parts, like the one with the obviously-CGI-wild-wolves (kinda horror film level, that scene).  But the one great thing? Not a spoiler, but in the first minute of the film you see the dog standing in the road kinda 'flagging down help.' 

Then the movie goes back to how things started.

And that was reassuring right off the bat because Honey, I can't stand movies where you get oh so attached to the dog, then he dies. Heh.  😕

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This kept taking my breath away with its autumnal decor beauty. Wow. Lovely music, also.

Gorgeous, old-fashioned decor. Peaceful, too.

If you've ever wanted to visit Hobbiton, go here.

The cutest tiny (tiny-tiny!) house I've ever seen.

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And in returning to some of my old creative ways, I purchased this along with some pastel paint pens and colored pencils, as well:

Completed one page yesterday and enjoyed the calming peacefulness of it!

Don't you just love Autumn?

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Please remember: My posts are always about more than they appear to be. 

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 "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." ... Matthew 6:14,15