The End, or A New Beginning?

I began writing this blog in 2010.   It began as a way to document the renovation of my kitchen.  Adam was a sophomore in college.  Kerry was beginning her Freshman year of college, and Annie was starting her sophomore year of high school. 

Eight years later, all of my children are grown and live on their own.

I live an active but uneventful life (in comparison to before).

I am looking forward to my husband's retirement in the not-too-distant future.

I also I find myself at a crossroads.

So much of what I write about has to do with being a mom.

However, my role in that respect has dramatically changed.

Is it my place, now, to tell THEIR stories?  

I think not.

I have found that I've posted less and less over the past few years.

I've done a lot of thinking as to why, and I realize that my life has changed

significantly since 2016.  My focus has changed.  The world has changed.

Until 2016, I have never been greatly interested in politics.  

Sure, during presidential elections I would try to educate myself 

in order to make an informed decision, 

but on a daily basis,

 I had more important things to do.

For the past 2 or 3 years, my primary task each day 

has been to keep abreast on what is happening in our country 

and the world.  I find it extremely interesting.  

The downside to this wave of knowledge is how it weighs so heavy on my heart. 

When I think about writing a blog post,  I say to myself,

"With everything happening in this world that is so important,

nobody would want to read about something so insignificant."

In addition,  my camera rarely comes out of its case.  

I used to find peace in photography.  

And since photos have always been the main focus of my blog,

(in addition to being the inspiration for each post)

there has been something missing.

All of this brings me to today.  

In recent weeks, I've taken my camera out more frequently.

When my family was together on Father's Day,  we took these

pictures in the yard. The kids especially wanted pictures

 with our older pets who we suspect might not be with us

 for much longer.

I really do love taking pictures!

If I do continue to blog, will I be able to find enough inspiration in my life?

I don't think of myself as an exciting person.  

I don't take a lot of chances.

I'm not a thrill-seeker.
I'm not really comfortable being the center of attention.

Nonetheless,  I do have a story of my own.

Everyone does.

I  LOVE my life.

If I do continue, it will have to be MY story.

Not theirs.

Perhaps I'll give it a try. 
Until the end of the year.
That's always a good time for endings and beginnings.