Rejoice, It’s a New Decade!

We’ve been gone a while.  I think we owe you an explanation.

In November 2018 I released a blog talking about finding our personal wonderlands.    In 2019 I was challenged to listen to my own words. 

The move from our beloved Manhattan to a quiet neighborhood in Texas was more than culture shock.  We had become accustomed to walking wherever we went, and now we were stuck in traffic.  Then, my health took a few hits.

In January I (JAM)  decided to have a knee replacement.  While waiting for that to heal, the cold January days inside the apartment where we live seemed to darken my thoughts.

Within a couple of months, I was hit with an unexpected medical emergency that cost me two more hospital stays and another surgery.  There were days when I felt as if I would never be joyful again.  Unable to lift more than a few pounds, I could barely lift my camera without fear of dropping it. I missed our long walks through the park and shuffling through the museums. 

The medications affected my thoughts.  I was weak, hurting, bored, afraid.  I knew I needed to trust Gods plan, but had it not been for my faithful partner, I’m not sure how I would have pulled out of the darkness.

There were friends who encouraged me, and I am grateful for them.  In time I found my strength, and with lots of encouragement and physical therapy I am doing well again. 

The struggles have changed me. I better understand the darkness people can go through.  I know how it feels to lose hope and find it again.  More than ever, I appreciate people.  The strangers I meet, longtime friends, family and casual acquaintances.

I have decided to become more transparent in 2020. Share the downs along with the ups. It is what makes us human.

So often we post to social media our smiles, special occurrences, kitty cats and puppy dogs.  Our society doesn’t easily share our troubles, the times we feel disconnected or discouraged.  But those are just part of life as well.

In 2020 I am committed to re-discovering my wonderland, wherever – whatever that may be. 

• I have connected with a group of artists.  They are a great source of inspiration.  Art is definitely part of my Wonderland.

(My Photos)     My Art Blog

• Many years ago, Tip, along with a couple of his clients, started a support group for families broken by addiction.  It has become a ministry at our parish.  These healing families provide a different kind of Wonder.

They too are a part of the Wonderland we share.  Family Addiction Support

• We continue to dream of places far away, and plans are in the works for perhaps our most challenging adventure ever.  Stay tuned, we will share the details when they are finalized.

We missed you in 2019.  We will try to do better this year, and we hope you will continue to share our journey into Wonderland.

Wishing you a Wonderland of Wonderfulness for 2020 and beyond. 

Tip and Jam