This week, I have been working hard and playing. Both have been rewarding.  First, the play part. I went out on a couple of adventures to a convergence festival. My friend Deanna and I stumbled upon it when we had lunch at a nice place in Scottsdale called Olive & Ivy. We made reservations and met just after 11 am. It had been a while since we had been together so we had lots to talk about, as usual.

We both had a nice lunch. She had a lovely flatbread, and I had an incredible beet salad. I highly recommend this Mediterranean restaurant. Afterward, we went into old town Scottsdale.  We saw a brilliant orange octopus guarding the bridge over the canal. It was set up for something, and a nice lady who volunteered for the festival gave us the rundown. They had a fireshow and lights and vendors. Fun place for the kids, she said.

It was a beautiful day, so we continued walking around for the next hour. There were little shops and loads of people walking around. It’s a perfect weather day in Arizona. It was 80 degrees and sunny. We always have such a good time when we get together. Deanna always finds the best things to do and places to eat.

The following evening I went with my friend and his daughter. It was a beautiful evening but cooled off pretty quickly. We got lost coming in but saw all these amazing huge houses with Christmas decorations up already. It was worth getting lost for. When we made it, we spent some time on the octopus with a bunch of other kids and walked around some. Lots of people. We lined up to watch the fire show, which only lasted 5 minutes, maybe. It was cool but not what I expected.

I have also been busy working on the gratitude journal. It is coming along and will be available in December. I may even have copies after Thanksgiving. I have such gratitude for those helping me along the way. Thank you for being there for me and cheering me on. I am grateful for all of you who read this blog and those who share their comments when so moved. Thankful for all the ups and downs that make me stronger and those who lift me up when life gets the best of me. I am grateful for it all as it has led me here to the place I am now struggling as I may. I am grateful to be able to push through and come out stronger afterwards. Thank you.