Many Reasons to Be Grateful ~

 If you could erase all the mistakes of your past, 

you would also erase all of the wisdom of your present.

  Remember the lesson, not the disappointment...

A long time ago in Florida.  One of my many jobs. 

 I was a kindergarten teacher and these were my students.

  It was just a small group.  I loved them all.  Arvid met them a 

few times when he came to visit me.  They were fascinated

 by his height, and of course, Arvid being Arvid he played

 games with all of them.  He made them laugh always.

Looking back is always fun, as long as I don't

 spend too much time in the past.  Many a times it 

is not always happy, but It sure is a part of my

 life that has taught me many a lessons.  

One of the hardest things right now is looking back

 and thinking of the kitties I left behind in Puerto Rico. 

 That is still fresh in my heart and still tears me up.

We may not be there right now, but Almost Home is still a big

 part of my life.  I still keep in touch with "my" tenants and try to 

help out in what ever way I can.  Back in Branson and I have not yet 

been to Almost Home, whereas Arvid has already been there twice.

In my heart and in my thoughts there is ALWAYS Brutus

 and Shadow.  More Brutus .  He was and will always be

 my baby.  We loved that kitty with everything we had, 

and to this day and forever he will always remain 

one of the most beautiful chapters in our lives.

After Brutus died, Shadow came into our lives.

  Full of energy and fearless.  He took us by surprise and 

kept us on our toes.  Unfortunately Shadow just lived for

 four months.  And to this day I hold a resentment to the one 

who caused his death, even though we are still friends.

Having Sniff in our lives makes up for so much. 

 He keeps Arvid and I happy.  Brings comfort, peace 

and stability to us after a very long day at work.  

He shows us that no matter what happens there is 

always something to look forward to, and I look 

forward every day to having him by our side.  

Sniff is my happy place everyday, always.

When all is said and done, I have many reasons to be grateful.

Good morning everyone and a happy day to each of you.

Below a few of Rima's (my baby sister) amazing creations

Narima's Homemade

You know my name, not my story.  You've heard

 what I've done, not what I've been through...

~Nadiya~

Saturday January 21st ~

Once upon a memory someone wiped

 away a tear, held me close and loved me..

 
One year today since Arvid's mother, Molly Hvidsten died. 

 The year has gone by so very fast. For over 30 years Arvid has

called his mother every Sunday at exactly the same time, 🕗more

 or less.  No matter where we lived.  He still calls his daughters,

 and yes, though he does not talk much about it, it is difficult.  The 

other day he did tell my dad how strange it feels to not call her 😢. 

I am fortunate. I have my parents and everyday I am grateful 

for that.  I never take them for granted, and everyday I have

 with them here in Florida is a better day in my life.  I really 

hope that one day the move back to the Sunshine State.

The reality is that you will grieve forever. You will not

 ‘get over’ the loss of a loved one; you will learn to live with it.

 You will heal and you will rebuild yourself around the loss you

 have suffered. You will be whole again but you will never be the 

same. Nor should you be the same nor would you want to.

2019.  That was Arvid hugging his mom one last time as 

we were leaving Norway.  I remember Molly saying, "I don't know 

if I will ever see you again."  Pandemic came so in 2020 we didn't go to 

Norway, but Arvid made it there in 2021 and spent time with his mom.  

That was the last time he saw her.  She died January 21st, 2022

It takes strength to make your way through grief,

 to grab hold of life and let it pull you forward...

~Nadiya~

Wednesday August 31st ~

 I love doing life with you.  There is no one else I 

would rather build a future with.  You give me hope...

Still glowing a little from out trip to the Ozarks. 

 Sure was a good vibe and a feeling of being close to home.  

Nothing like the island vibe to cheer one up, even if it happens 

to be in the middle of the country.  The feeling is the same.

We even had a ride on the golf cart to check out the

 surroundings.  It was amazing how huge this place is.  Hope

 to get there again.  If not this summer then the next.

Here in Branson all is good.  A few "new" birds have 

been coming around.  They are tiny and bright yellow. 

 I have my very own piece of paradise right here.

On another note, we have all heard the saying that friends come 

into our lives for a reason, a season or a lifetime? Some friendships

 last, while others run their course.  I hope this setback is temporary and

 that sooner rather than later the bond we had will be there again 💚.

And just like that August comes to an end.  Sure did go by fast. 

 Looking forward to the day and to see what it holds.

When you come out of the storm you won't be the same 

person who walked in.  That's what the storm is all about...

~Nadiya~

Sunday June 12th ~

Life is not always perfect. Like a road, it has many

 bends, ups and down, but that’s its beauty...

The verdict is still out as to how relaxing a day we will have 😂

My right arm keeps getting additional welts every day. 

 I did ago out by the grass and I did replant some flowers,

 but I had on gloves.  Two of my fingers on my 

right hand is also bitten up and it hurts a lot.

No matter how tired, how busy or how painful I may 

be on any given day, Sniff still gets his brushing twice a day.

  Early in the morning and in the afternoons when I get home.

  He may be alone for many hours, but he's not neglected.

To all a very good day.  yesterday after a few hours 

at work Arvid and I took some time "off" for ourselves. 

 Where better to go that at The Landing.  Was a very

 beautiful day, and today promises to be the same.

Spend time thinking of what you 

want rather than what you don't want...

~Nadiya~

Life Is What You Make Of It ~

It isn't where you came from.

 It's where you're going that counts...

Morning walks and furry friends.  Beautiful start of each day.

It's the simple things that make me happy, and when it

comes to food, just about all of it makes me smile, and happy.

 Life is simple, yet we tend to make it complicated.  

To all a happy day.  Keep it simple and you will 😍

realize what a beautiful life this is.  I do everyday.

You do not find the happy life. You make it...

~Nadiya~