Empty wine rack, overflowing heart

My wine rack is empty and my heart is full of joy from gifting bottles since my wine country tour.

Over the past three months, I have been preoccupied.  It was nice to meet up with family, friends or readers of my novel to chat, to see them smile as I delivered gifts of wine.  It felt good to satisfy the list of requests or at least provide a suitable alternative.

It was an interesting endeavour and adventure.  

I'm not sure how soon I will be able to travel again or have the energy to organize such a project.  We're planning on uprooting le petit apartement.  Let the downsizing and de-cluttering begin (again). Problem is that Plan A of moving me and the cats to a smaller, affordable apartment have been put on the back burner.  Plan B will involve finding an affordable, roomy and secure home for me, the cats and the young adult children who are still residing in the crowded nest.  Current economic conditions or bureaucratic processes have not been in line with their plans.
  
The best laid plans of mice and men...

I have also been immersed in a few personal and professional projects, marking a few milestones, cutting back with some obligations, and reading.  I have also been enjoying the usual holiday season gatherings that require socializing, consumption of tasty foods - and various spirits.  

Permit me to pause, to wish each of my readers a happy, healthy holiday season.   May your gifting activities involve giving of your skills, your time and not due to imposed societal or consumer obligations. 

Ours will be a humble yet colourful, crowded and warm celebration this year. At least the cats didn't decorate our tree  >^..^< 

Until I am blessed with a well-balanced, gainfully employed significant other or a wealthy private patron (wink, wink), I will continue to work for a living. Goodness knows that one has to be a damn good writer in order to make a living as an author!

During lunch with an artist friend last week, the word "Transitions" came up.  We talked about changing one's name, acting one's age, maturing, becoming wiser and realizing that it's time to stop being a bottle blonde (for her at least). 

During lunch with another friend, we discussed changes, relationships, careers and vocations - of being content with a decent pay cheque while having the time, energy and compassion to be of service to others.  

It is often demonstrated by characters in my novel, that one reason for existing on this beautiful planet is to be compassionate, to be of service to others.  

On that note, thanks for dropping by, for reading this far. You are very patient and kind :o)  

See you in the New Year.

T