The lingering warmth of a truly lovely day spent with my mom still feels like a gentle hug. We laughed, shared stories, and simply enjoyed each other's company in that effortless way that only family allows. It was the kind of day that recharges your spirit and leaves you feeling content and connected. Now, as the evening settles in, a different kind of warmth is stirring – the anticipation of diving back into the vibrant chaos of my garden. It's a world away from leisurely chats and shared meals, but in its own way, tending to every leaf, bloom, and patch of soil feels just as fulfilling. The garden, in all its demanding glory, is my other cherished companion, and I'm actually looking forward to the satisfying work of nurturing its growth and beauty once again. The energy from my day with Mom feels like the perfect fuel to tackle the happy responsibility of keeping my little green sanctuary thriving.

       This is definitely one of many favorite quotes. I love nature and traveling/hiking and camping so when I see what people do to the beautiful trees by carving names and leaving their trash at these historical parks make me sick thinking about it let alone talking about it but someone needs to. Call my "uncool" or "lame because  I do care, a lot actually ..... about this beautiful planet that continues to give me life!

I often find myself "accidentally" thinking of a time machine. When I see the hurt in my families eyes, I wish I could go back and do everything different, yet don't we all? The allure of a time machine is a constant whisper in my mind, the tantalizing possibility of revisiting past crossroads and choosing different paths, erasing regrets and crafting a seemingly smoother narrative. There's a powerful yearning to correct missteps, to make the wiser choices I see so clearly in hindsight. Yet, a deeper understanding tempers this desire, a recognition that the tapestry of my life, with all its knots and frayed edges woven from those very "bad" decisions, is what ultimately defines its unique texture and, indeed, who I am today in Simi Valley. The lessons learned, the resilience forged, and the unexpected turns those choices led to have shaped my current perspective and strengths, creating the very "me" that now contemplates this fantastical journey. The past holds the ghost of what-ifs, but it also undeniably birthed the present reality I inhabit.

       Once again, it's Friday night. Friends are inviting me places, I know they want to drink and I have a little bit of F.O.M.O at the moment. (Fear of missing out). I try to reset and think of the bigger picture.

       The path to recovery from addiction is a testament to the human spirit's resilience. It's a journey marked by battles fought in the quiet corners of the mind, a daily confrontation with cravings that claw and whisper. Each step forward, each moment of resistance, is a victory, a hard-won affirmation of your strength. The struggle is real, the challenges immense, but within you lies an unwavering capacity for change. Don't let the weight of past missteps define your future. Every sunrise is a new chance, a fresh opportunity to choose a different path, to reclaim your life, and to build a future where your strength outshines your struggles. You are not alone, and you are capable of extraordinary things.