Simply Sunshine - With Occasional Showers: Year End Blog & Photos

For almost ten years now (has it been ten?) I find myself pondering the past year and blogging.

The consistent life message is change. Often, the many intentions I find myself planning for the new year have directed me from one road, to another, to another.

2018 –

In you I found trips to new places - Denver, Fairy Lake, Denver Museum of Art, Museum of the Rockies, Wilsall, The Crazy Mountains, Bridger Mountains, Mammoth, Three Forks.
Places I knew well - Richardson, Dallas, Abilene, Amarillo, Bozeman, Missoula.
Montana welcomed my oldest brother, Jimi, in March and my oldest daughter, Meredith, in November
Ever one for music, we saw Sawyer Brown, Shinedown, Saving Alexandria, Five Finger Deathpunch, Godsmack and others
In June, I met some amazing work counter-parts from New Mexico - they each made my heart smile
In August, I visited my family - saw my Uncle Johnny and Aunt Mollie - spent wonderful time with my nieces and nephews - my brothers and their significant others ... and I introduced them to a wonderful man

In March, John and I crossed paths again after meeting in October 2017, touching base in January 2018 - and then in March, we opened up to the possibility that there might be someone in this world who is as corny, optimistic, goofy, loveable, screwed-up, hopeful, loving, patient - and ready to live life without fear
In July, John asked me if I'd ever marry again - "one day - some day - who knows...," I said.
Over the summer we learned to live together, love together and support each others' decisions, dreams and fears - we faced demons painted in the same color of determination
October found John and I talking about marriage - should we? How? When? We decided November 11th and to share it with everyone at Christmas. Unpredictable, carefree, hopeful and ours - it was our first gift to each other as a couple and a day we felt unpressured and carefree - to begin our adventure as husband and wife. One day, I'll write the story about that day... it still makes me smile.

Thank you Jason O'Neal for some amazing photos: https://jasononeilphoto.passgallery.com/-SimoneJohn/gallery

Near and on Christmas we shared our surprise to an outpouring love and acceptance

Blessed. Blessed to marry a man who is 361 days older than I am, to find a partner to adventure with and who cherishes this thing we call life. Blessed to work with amazing people who I consider family. Blessed to have children who were taught to love and accept and cheer everyone on. Blessed with new family who has proven caring and welcoming. Blessed with friends and family who support and cherish their own paths - as well as ours.

I wish you a blessed and best year to come.

2019 - I am so looking forward to every single day.

Be blessed and loved.