A couple of weeks ago I signed my first magazine story and photo contract (yipee) and my excitement is barely containable - as is the fear of messing up. So, the event I'm covering happens this weekend at a place that I dearly love - in a Washington State rain forest. As if this news isn't wonderful enough, yesterday the lodge e-mailed me to say that they have booked me a room and dinner for the event. This is a place that I've wanted to go and stay at from the moment I first laid eyes on it. Of course there were thoughts of romance (with somebody) to go along with it but with me it isn't a necessary ingredient for fun and adventure.

I can't believe how blessed I've been in the last year. For a struggling writer and photographer living on the edge of a fixed income, life has been pretty good. I scrape by financially and whine about physical stuff but in the end I just keep moving forward with a determination to succeed. Whether I do or not isn't as important as the doing the best I can.

Earlier this year I told a man-friend that I would be getting out on the water and going places, whether it was with him or without him. I was done sitting around waiting for somebody to invite me, and done with watching everyone else have fun - it was my turn. Somehow the opportunities manifested - mostly without him, although we did go sailing on Lake Washington - and with them I've gained a better sense of myself. But like a kid and a cookie jar, I want more!

On another note - keep positive thoughts for my unborn grandchild. I heard yesterday that he/she's body doesn't seem to be growing but the head is the normal size. They'll do another ultra sound soon.

DebyDixon©2007