It has been ONE YEAR ( April 10th is the anniversary) since the creation of Chasing the Next Chapter. So much has happened since the first post. Some things I blog about, some things I don’t. If you have followed along, you know this blog came about from the death of my youngest son, J.W. I had a perfectly fine blog (since 2007) and online business. When he passed priorities changed. I no longer had the passion for the business. As I look back, the passion was fading quickly and started a little bit before he died. The blog…didn’t feel right either. Of course it is still there, you all know I ‘borrow’ from it. I visit it from time to time, it is like a journal. And that is a good thing.
Chasing the Next Chapter was the perfect name to describe our lives. Hubby and I will always be chasing the next chapter…till the book ends. While I would love to see my son, I am not ready for my book to end. Pretty sure hubby is not ready either. Cancer stay gone! Just saying.
I have always traveled. As a kid growing up in Michigan there were lots of road trips. Travel was always a part of my life. When I wasn’t traveling I was reading about traveling. I planned trips, I even went to travel school at one point about 500 years ago. An IATA card was a very good thing to have.
The Photo below was taken in Toledo, Spain. I openly cried when I saw it. So beautiful.
Life changed and I moved on to a job which involved CRAZY travel. Not complaining as it allowed me to take care of my family…house…food…insurance…vacations. That job taught me so much about myself and people in general. It really showed me how people SHOULD be treated. That all people deserve respect. Well, I knew that but I discovered (naive Barb) this was not the case with everyone. Moving on….
I took this photo from inside the Alcazar in Segovia. When I looked through the arches and saw the winding road just waiting for someone to come along, it reminded me of the journey we are on and the path I (we) have chosen. I have always been a writer, whether is was seminars for work, product copy, training material…the TFE blog, diary as a kid. Now, I get to travel and write…my two passions.
Oh, I get to take pics too! I can see my son rolling his eyes with that last sentence. We traveled a lot and I was always taking photos (the kids, random objects, junk…). So now three loves are combined. Not bad.
Isn’t this stork nest cool? The building is The Royal Glass Factory of La Granja, Spain. It is as old as the Palace (1700’s). Now, I am rambling which brings me to the fourth love. You know where I am going with this.
This man has made it possible for me to pursue what makes my heart sing. He also is giving me a rather free hand on where we will eventually divide our time. Saturday I leave for Mexico. I will be writing but I will be checking out the area as a possible home base. Two birds with one stone. You can probably guess where the other area is but MAYBE not.
Thank you hubby for indulging me, for trusting me, for loving me, and supporting me in all my crazy ways. I am looking forward to the journey ahead. Here is to Chasing the Next Chapter.
Andrea says
2017-04-06 at 7:52 pmI love what you wrote Barb. How awesome that you grew up in Michigan, im getting ready for a trip to Detroit, leaving tomorrow…for my nephews wedding.
Your photos are gorgeous, I’m happy to see so much shared beauty! With love, Andres
Barb says
2017-04-06 at 9:34 pmHi Andrea,
Thank you for stopping by…I know you are swamped! I grew up in the Detroit area- Royal Oak! Small world my friend.
I don’t think hubby was thrilled with his pic but I love it.
Have a safe trip.
xoxo,
Barb
Robin Ramirez says
2017-04-06 at 7:56 pmAlways Love to read about your adventures!!!! Here’s to more adventutes and Chapter’s…. Love, Peace and Joy to you & hubby..❤❤
Barb says
2017-04-06 at 9:30 pmHi Robin,
Thank you for stopping by Robin. Hopefully we’ll have many more adventures.
xoxo,
Barb
Mikala says
2017-04-06 at 9:58 pmWe all have a next chapter, within which also is the final chapter, written by the Master Author. I too am on a journey I could never plan myself. It is full of smaller journeys combined. Kind of like reading a large book OF books with many a chapter each, and to fully enjoy the trip you must understand each step along the way. Have a great time in Mexico. I can’t wait to hear what you have for us when you get back.
Barb says
2017-04-06 at 10:30 pmHi Mikala,
Well said my friend, well said. Sometimes it is difficult to understand each step but that is where faith comes in.
Many chapters in my book have ended but there is always a new chapter waiting in the wings.
Thank you for visiting and leaving a comment. Comments are always appreciated although not always left by others. Hehe…
Mexico should be interesting. It’s been ages since I’ve visited and have never been to this area.
Take care,
Barb
Mariette VandenMunckhof-Vedder says
2017-04-06 at 11:49 pmDearest Barb,
Well, I truly do hope that both of you are given many more years of enjoying what you love to do most and indulging in your favorite areas!
Those that love writing, also love reading and for me, history and geography have been my fondest subjects in school so I loved to explore and meet other cultures and countries. I’ve been communicating as a kid, with my Great-Uncle who was a Catholic Priest/Advisor to several Bishops in Timor, Indonesia. LOVED his letters and studied with a magnifier all the exotic stamps… He probably has shaped me more than any other relative; got his genes for speaking foreign languages and traveling. He was first a Professor at a Dutch Seminary and than went on to study Church Law in Rome etc. Two countries I’ve already worked and lived in myself. The sad part is, that since I’m 18, he is looking on from Heaven but I always can sense him very, very near me!
Happy Living to you both and yes, keep that cancer un-invited.
Hugs,
Mariette
Barb says
2017-04-07 at 6:30 pmHi Mariette,
Thank you for visiting, it is always appreciated. Totally agree that if one loves to write, must be a reader as well. I devour books and have no problem rereading them. Like you, history and geography were my favorite subjects in school. Exploring other cultures and countries…yes please. We have much in common.
How interesting about your Great-Uncle. What a fascinating life he must have lived! You know, he is watching over you.
I had a neighbor when I was growing up that really influenced me. Aunt Lou. She was a character with a heart of gold. She inspired me to go to the USSR back in the day. I was so young and my father was terrified but he knew I had to do it. She encouraged me to save my money and go. She encouraged me to take risks because life is short and regrets…not a good thing to have at the end of your life. She was kind of a grandparent (much older than anyone in my family) but thought she was twenty. She made an impact on my life.
Tomorrow I leave for Mexico. Only a week but I hope to accomplish lots. Hubby sees the cancer dr the following week. Prayers sent up.
Stay well my friend. Hugs to Pieter.
Xoxo,
Barb
Mariette VandenMunckhof-Vedder says
2017-04-07 at 7:32 pmDear Barb, guess it is true about both of us. Did the same game you did on FB and look here: http://bit.ly/2oRwoGO
Happy weekend!
Hugs,
Mariette
Barb says
2017-04-07 at 10:27 pmHi Mariette,
As I mentioned on FB, that was the first time I tried any of links that come up. It was amazing how accurate the description was just by the name.
Yours was right on as well.
Have a good weekend! Ole!
Hugs,
Barb
victoria silva says
2017-04-07 at 3:36 pmBarb…I just loved this post…you are so full of heart and spirit! The pictures are just so lovely as well. Rock on!
Barb says
2017-04-07 at 6:33 pmHi Victoria! What a pleasant surprise. Thank you for visiting and leaving a comment. I truly appreciate it.
When I read your comment it brought tears…good tears. Thank you so much! Rock on and Peace out my friend.
XOXO,
Barb
Mia says
2017-04-19 at 6:58 pmSo happy that you are on this journey Barb. You are a true inspiration in the way you embrace Life and what it has to give in best possible way and make amd create something beautiful and worthy. I wish you and hubby health and much joy ❤ Love/Mia
Barb says
2017-04-19 at 8:27 pmHi Mia! Thank you for visiting. You beautiful comment brought tears…I appreciate your very generous words.
My son would have loved you!
xoxo,
Barb