My friend Phil, who has traveled the world and had the most amazing adventures, wrote to me: “One of my dearest, most intelligent mentors asked me the following:  What do you think you will truly own in your lifetime?  While I was thinking it over, he pointed out that you don’t own a house … “when you die, the house goes on.”  Then he gave me the correct answer:   ”Phil, the only thing you will ever truly own is your allotted time on earth … and you don’t know how much you’ve got.  Don’t waste any of it.”  Nan, one thing I’ve learned:  The more risks you take the better you get at measuring them.  And, as you commented, I really have been a lucky sunofabitch!”

I wrote back: “Wonderful advice like that really changes your outlook and shapes your life, doesn’t it? From another perspective: I’m possessed (that word!) by my house. It’s reasonable given I moved 17x in 20 years when I was first married. Back then I was young, romantic, strong and brave and took every risk that came my way, raising 2 kids to boot through those crazy years.. Until the end.  When I divorced and found this place I dropped and buried anchor. No regrets. My greatest creativity has occurred here in the last 25 years and I’m still doing/loving it. 


Jerry and I married about 11 years ago. and his tremendous love and support since we retired, is how I am now able to devote myself to painting.  I too, am one lucky sunofabitch.

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