Reflections

Posted on by Deb

December 2023, and the first year of The Heart of the Matter blog is almost wrapped up. My first post here on the blog went live on January 21st. As they say, time flies…I was curious to see what I had written for that first post because honestly I’d totally forgotten.

WOW!

That was my actual reaction when I began re-reading  A Shockwave Becomes A Ripple.

The goal for The Heart of The Matter blog has always been to share heartfelt thoughts and stories about things that matter both personally but also to the bigger community in general. You might say I jumped in with both feet talking about a surprise marriage in that first post! My words certainly hit the personal button and probably set some lights flashing like some sort of neon gas station sign. 

Maybe it wasn’t all that shocking for anyone reading the post, but for me to go back and see that story as my very first encounter with all of you… there really was no other non-curse word than WOW! Plus I added a follow-up that sounded something like “you really did put yourself out there didn’t you?” What a way to meet someone for the very first time.

Central to just about everything I’ve written for this blog and in almost every post, whether it is obviously stated or I’ve managed to carefully hide bits and pieces, are reflections upon family, my place in that space of love, and the ways in which I continue to try to grow, learn and give back to them…

It seems fitting then that these lovely people who will always be #1 in my heart and who always matter above all else make an appearance here in my final post as a contributor to The Heart of The Matter.

It is time for me to say a sincere thank you to Vicki, to Wynne, to all of our writing team and to all of you amazing readers for allowing me to come into your space over this last year. I value every one of you and cannot begin to thank you enough for the interest, support and especially the engagement found in so many amazing and thoughtful comments and discussions.

On a side note- my personal blog Closer to the Edge will continue and I would invite everyone to pop in there at any time. As most of my long time readers know, my posting schedule at Closer to the Edge is very random. That will likely remain as the norm.

So readers- get ready for year #2 of more and bigger sharing at The Heart of The Matter. Good stuff is planned for all and I will be alongside every one of you reading, commenting and watching how this amazing blog grows in 2024.

31 thoughts on “Reflections”

    1. I’ve loved getting to know you Erin, through your words on HoTM and your personal blog. I cannot wait to see where life takes you and Dr. Zeus in 2024. Lots and lots of good things I hope 🙂

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    1. What a lovely comment Dr. Stein, thank you 🙂 I feel so fortunate to have met you and had such amazing discussions here at HoTM and on your own blog. You are a treasure and a wonderfully insightful writer. Best to you in the new year 🙂

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  5. I love your guiding principle, “reflections upon family, my place in that space of love, and the ways in which I continue to try to grow, learn and give back to them…” It’s so, so good.

    Thanks for contributing so much in this year to HoTM! So grateful for all your wisdom – here, there, and sometimes in person! Sending lots of love!

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  6. This is certainly the time of year for reflection. The fact of the matter is that we do not exist without relationship to something or someone else. If you try to live without others, you have to have a relationship with nature and the feedback to your own growth can be less profound. That’s just my take on life, not carved in stone. Looking at your relationship with your family is a good way to gauge your growth as a human. I’m also so grateful for my small family. No one on WP gave us a time clock to punch so when inspiration strikes, we will be here waiting to read your words, wherever you are. Merry Christmas, Deb. I am still having issues with posting comments so I have to go to my reader to get it done. We, at one time had an available link to WP to help figure out why we were having issues and they could help. I’m still looking for it now.

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    1. You know I enjoy your wisdom on life Marlene, no matter how it’s shared or where. You did end up in spam again here (I checked) but I hope that doesn’t start happening on the personal blog as it has always been fine I think (?) and your comments always come through. Have a lovely holiday 🙂

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  7. I love your openness and look forward to many coffee dates in the upcoming year. Perhaps even a walk together? You’ve done so much thought -provoking and honest sharing of your life and feelings–really everything I love about blogging. You have a beautiful family!

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    1. Of course there will be more to come in 2024 and YES to the walking for sure! Thank you for the kind words, for reading and for listening away from the blog as well 😉 See you soon to catch up!

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  9. Congrats on a full year of HotM. I enjoyed your posts so much but missed your first one, so I look forward to reading it. Beautiful photos of your loved ones, too. I’m happy to hear you’ll continue writing your own blog.

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    1. Thanks EA! It has been great getting to know more about you over this last year, through all the blogs we have in common as writers and readers. I am hoping for a brighter year ahead for your family in 2024, and keeping in touch through comments 🙂

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      1. Thank you, Deb. It’s been nice getting to know a fellow PNW’er. I’m hoping for a better 2024. 2023 started off with Mom passing on Jan. 1 after five days of illness. Then the DIL. Today a story popped up on my phone that doctors have never seen the number of people in their 20s and 30s with colorectal cancer like my DIL and it’s often not diagnosed for years. I thought I was reading her story. They don’t know why. All the best for the holidays and a happy new year!

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      2. I have also seen those news alerts pop up in my newsfeed and it’s astounding to think that what we typically believe to be an older person health issue is not. I have suspicions about what research will find. Regardless, doctors need to make sure testing is clearly being offered at a much younger age.

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      3. Absolutely. I talked to my son today about the article which brings up environmental issues. The article said there are substances in our yoga mats that aren’t allowed in Europe. My son absolutely agrees with that. My DIL grew up in Sonoma County, wine country, and I can only guess at what pesticides were used 20 to 30 years ago. She’s comes from a family of seven children and four girls including herself have had cancer.

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      4. OMG EA, I didn’t realize there are 4 in the same family diagnosed. That is horrendous and I am so sorry. Given that news, plus the way Americans in general tend to eat very processed foods because of the lifestyles we lead it’s like a ticking bomb. Same thing with kids, young kids, being diagnosed as obese and diabetic. Those both couple with other health conditions never seen in that age group and I think we’re just going to hear more and more.

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      5. DIL Buff is the oldest. The youngest was 24 with cervical cancer, one 29 with a six-pound ovarian tumor removed a year ago (it was cancer but encapsulated and didn’t spread), third 30 with cervical cancer. All three were treated early (including the one huge tumor) stage one, didn’t need chemo and are 100% fine. This all happened in the past two or three years. They are all super healthy eaters and exercise, were scholarship athletes in college. No processed foods or little in their lives and they eat very little meat. It must be something else in the environment like chemicals in the vineyards, water, or even clothing.

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      6. Wow! That has to be so devastating for the family as one after another is diagnosed. I wonder what the incidence of related illness, including reproductive cancers, is in among people growing up in that area really is in general. Is anyone in the overall community looking into other cases, reports, etc. It sounds like some activism and legal teams may need to be involved on this while the family (or multiple families) simply try to come to terms with so much tragic illness. I am glad the others are doing well and again EA, I so hope for the best possible outcome for Buff.

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      7. Thank you! Buff is doing well and her three sisters. They all moved away, so they don’t have follow up. My husband grew up in a “cluster” area of cancer. It was discovered that a military base was dumping jet fuel into a creek nearby. He lost five friends in their 20s. Nobody brought up a case. It was found out or rumored decades later.

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  10. I love that you always center your writing around your family, Deb. Thanks for sharing the lovely photos. I am thankful for the HOTM too and for connecting me with wonderful people such as you.

    Wishing you a Merry Christmas and happy holidays!

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    1. Oh Ab, that is so kind, thank you! I’m thankful that I’ve been able to connect with amazing people and learn about their very diverse lives and families 🙂 Merry Christmas!

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