1-year anniversary and photos

Can you believe it? One year ago today, at this very moment, I was contemplating my life from a hospital bed and you all were getting the news that I'd had a stroke. Wow!

And how it has brought a renewed me. I now live in a bright, snug new flat. I have picked up a painting since I was 22 (thanks in part to you, Sheila, for those blank canvases). I play my guitar every day after having let it sit for 3 years (thanks in part to you, Steph, for giving me that challenging song). I love my dog more than ever. And I have a renewed sense of spirit and optimism.

I am so grateful for your continued love and prayers. What a great adventure this has been for me. I begin writing chapter two next month. And I what a positive way to begin the first pages by spending my holiday with friends, at the beach and being witness to wedding vows!

What a lucky gal I am to be this grateful. Thank you for keeping in touch and enjoy the photos below from last nights thunder storm and last week's surprise trip to Giethoorn, a great Nederland holiday destination. Love you all!


First comes the storm...


...then the beautiful rainbow.

Photos from Giethoorn (pronounced Geet-horen).
Part of the area is "natural" the other what's become a vacation village. Located 2.5 hour drive from here. Enjoy.







Red picnic basket, bright blue boat.


The house WE should rent, girls. Just a measly 5000 euros a week (just kidding).


Plastic mailboxes on a bridge crossing the canal which runs through the middle of the village.


There were loads of these cozy looking houses with oh so European garden designs.


Ponies!




See that huge rhubarb bush on the left? Whoa! I never knew they got so big. We saw loads of these.


A windmill... eh?


Two old pals standing post.