I know it's been ages since you've all seen me around the blogosphere, but I have had you in my thoughts.
Life has been very time consuming for me lately. With selling my condo, moving into my new apartment, and traveling to NYC and Central Florida, I haven't had a chance to catch to even catch my breath.
I LOVE being active and all of my time has been spent well. For now, my journey seems to be on track. Now we are only a few weeks away from Christmas so I know all of us are busy preparing for this WONDERFUL holiday.
I know my IWSG post is almost a week late, but I spaced it this month, not realizing the first Wednesday was so early. I know Alex and all the wonderful people is this group will understand. I have always been VERY ACTIVE in this group since its beginning and I will continue to do so. I am settling down FINALLY. I should be ready to breath normally by the end of this week. Thankfully all my anxieties have been lifted. It feels AMAZING not having to stress every month to make my monthly bills. And with the holidays so close, money seems to go so much faster. But for me, this holiday season is a very thankful one. God has answered so many of my prayers for myself and for my special friends who are facing life's challenges with all the strength they can muster up. I still pray for those in need. That has never faltered. I was also THRILLED to be able to donate a nice amount to the Sisters of the Sacred Heart, who do so much good through the National Shrine of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini.
I also plan to help out some of our four-legged friends, too. There is such need for funds for the Anti Cruelty society and PAWS here in Chicago. I LOVE animals and so many are abused and neglected so helping them is very important to me.
Giving is the most amazing feeling. Isn't that what Christmas is really all about? Giving our love to those we care about most. Those who need us... those who are far less fortunate than ourselves. I constantly think of all my loved ones who suffer with Cancer. Especially the children. And I plan on donating to St. Jude's charity as well. All those poor families who can not afford the care for their children. It is such a great charity that helps the families stay together during this stressful time. I hope you will remember all of your favorite charities this season. With money so tight for many of us, even a little goes a long way. Our community has the biggest hearts and are beyond generous with their time. Give yourselves all a BIG HUG from me!
I've missed you all tremendously. I will be seeing you all very soon. I plan to start making the rounds tomorrow....Until then,
Keep peaceful and calm. Know that you are loved when your anxieties take root....Always remember we are here to help....
41 comments:
Hi Michael - I think we all know you must be up to your eyes in 'things bureaucratic' - but how great to know life is finally slotting into place.
MJ Joachim of Effectively Human kept the Emergency Food Drive reminder alive from last year ... allowing us once again to remember Tina.
It's the time of year to do what we can where we can ... so many need our help, compassion and care ... so pleased to see you with a post up .. good luck with all the rest of the 'things-stuff' to finally settling into your new home. Cheers Hilary
Hey Michael! Yes, we have missed you around here. But what a blessing that the move is going well and your money situation is in a good place.
Yes, it is about giving and what we can do for others. (As Hilary said, MJ did the Food Drive again, in honor of Tina.) The next few weekends, my wife and I are doing volunteer work to help others in need.
Good to hear from you!!
Missed you too, Michael. But glad everything is working out so well for you with your move and everything else in life. There are times of life when we can't blog as much. I'm in one of those stages too, though I am still around some.
Giving to charities is so important. St. Jude is one of my favorites too. Even though I'm laid off, I'm planning to donate a bit to my favorite charity this season.
We've missed you. That's wonderful the move has gone so well. Can't forget our furry friends during the holidays either.
I'm glad your move is almost complete and I agree that giving is a wonderful thing. You are very generous!
Howdy - as long as you are getting settled and situated for an awesome 2015. You need health and happiness. Your blog friends are behind you. I just bagged up some coats to donate - the Container Store is gathering them to give to homeless shelters. Take care, enjoy the holidays, and all the best to you and your family
Moving can be so exhausting. Maybe now you'll be able to take a breather and relax into a new routine. Here's to a very merry Christmas!
So great to hear from your Michael. And what a wonderful post as always. So glad you are almost to the point of getting settled down again and so many good things are happening for you.
I've been thinking of you too as my mom is doing really well and I feel sure all of your prayers at the shrine helped! Hugs and Merry Christmas to you.
So happy to see you back, Michael! Thank you for visiting my blog and for your lovely comments. Thank you, also, for being a special and caring member of society. So much is lacking in these times which is sad. Wishing you a happy and special holiday season!!!
I've missed you, too, Michael. I'm sure Alex understands your last post. We all do. Donating to those charities is wonderful! I also plan to donate to St. Judes. Hopefully soon. I hope you have a beautiful holiday season!
Hi, Michael:
Glad to here your settled. And giving is way better than shopping any day.
Hugs and chocolate!
Michael, that is a lovely, inspiring update! Thank you and happy holidays. Wishing you all the best.
Lovely to hear from you Michael, I'm on the home move not by choice,
Hope all goes well for you.
Sounds like you are definitely in the Christmas spirit.
I read your comment over at Roland's and was so glad to hear you are still hanging in there, and life is treating you well. I am sure you miss Florida, but sounds like you are still excited about the sale of your condo and getting to move on. I hated downsizing also. I've been going through things in my home (been here since March and still consider it "new") getting rid of stuff I haven't used or looked at in years. Letting go of almost all my paper books was the hardest, but I know it was necessary.
Have fun this Christmas Michael. I know it is your favorite time of year. Be well and happy my friend.
Thanks so much for visiting my cyber-home: it is much neater than my actual one!!
Downsizing is no fun at all. What to keep? What to store? And you always realize too late you stored away something you could really use right then!
Like you, Christmas is my favorite time of year although everyone who I lost that was close to me died at this season. Certain carols I cannot listen to for that reason.
Still, as you say, GIVING is the true motif of the season. I wish you luck with your hunt for new NY digs!
MERRY CHRISTMAS, MICHAEL!
My blogging is sporadic at best, but I do the best I can. I figure that's better than quitting.
What a beautiful post this is, Michael. It has cheered my heart and put a smile on my face. Wishing you all the best in your new location and as you face a new year of joys and challenges! I look forward to hearing all about it as you return to blogging.
It's nice to see you. Giving is a joy. I hope you'll sign up for the favorite Christmas memories bloghop that Cherdo and I are hosting on Monday, Dec. 22nd. Your attitude of gratitude will be a great addition.
Love,
Janie
Hi Michael. Lovely to hear from you again. You sound so much more settled. It's so good to help others no matter what time of the year. Please give Melissa Bradley extra hugs from me. She's always in my thoughts and prayers.
Meanwhile, like me, settle back and enjoy this beautiful time of year. My post is all about Christmas and will be my last one until next year. I'm so busy preparing for a big family Christmas up at the beach house.
Merry Christmas to you!
Denise
Sounds like you are feeling peaceful in yourself. That's great. Glad you are enjoying the season.
Hi, Michael! I am glad your move is going smoothly. I know how stressful that is, and if you are through the worst parts of it before the holidays, so you can relax, that is wonderful! Regarding a certain ARC -- that was mailed out to you a couple weeks ago by HC, so hopefully the post office will forward it to you in your new location! (Otherwise, I hope the new owner of your condo likes fantasy ...LOL.)
I've missed seeing you around and am glad to hear things are going your way. There are so many great avenues to share during the holidays.
Better late than not at all. Good to hear from you Michael. Glad to hear things are looking up for you. :)
So glad to hear things are going well with you! I hope you stay on top of things this season. Best wishes to you and yours!
Hey Mr. Blurb King!
I missed you! Welcome back!
So good to hear that everything is back on track.
(((Ubuntu Hugs)))
Hi Michael, looks like I've blogged as little as you the last few months, Sometimes we have to put life first :) But also like you I'm starting the rounds of all the bloggers I follow! xx
So great to read an update from you!!! I'm happy to hear you've sold your condo at last--RAH! We sold our CA house and are now settled in Oregon, so I can relate to the busy-ness that is all that. This time of year, a lot of people aren't blogging as much anyway. You gave a good reminder that 'tis the season to give. :)
Sounds like you have been quite busy! This time of year seems to fly by for me because there is so much to do. I hope you are adjusting to your new home and things are going well for you.
Hi, Michael. So glad that your move has gone so well. I hope that things continue to go well for you. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
I've been thinking of you a lot lately. I am glad to hear everything is going well for you. Let's give everything we can. It will only enrich our life! Dragon Hugs!
I'm so glad that life is treating you well!!! I agree. Let's give everything we can. We filled shoeboxes for Operation Christmas child, bought ornaments for orphans, and have a caroling night planned at an adult care center . . . and I'm sure there is more we can do, and will do.
Since I've never missed a post or been late or anything like that I don't understand how you did. You believe me, don't you?
You're so generous and kind, Michael. May it all return to you two-fold.
I haven't been active either, and I've not left the house. But I did get the book to the editor, so I guess I've been lost in my head for way too long. Don't apologize, we all love you! Get your life back on track, and after the New Year, I'll be sending you some work for book 3. We need to discuss blurbs, and tag lines etc. No rush, I still have to write the synopsis!
Happy Holidays!
Glad you enjoyed your trips to Florida and New York! It must be nice to finally settle in to your new apartment. Michael, I know firsthand what a charitable person you are, and it's wonderful that you continue to donate to so many worthwhile organizations. It makes the holidays even more special! Good to see you, my friend!
Julie
Thanks for sharing, and updating us. I'm so glad this year is ending better for you and I wish you the happiest of holidays! See you next year!
dude, don't leave us like that EVER AGAIN!! well, if you do...at least leave a pic of your running shorts. hope you have a fab and amazing and sensational season!
Greetings human, Michael,
First of all, I love your confidence in how you type to an audience instead of just the one person or animal on the other side of the screen.
You have gone through many a trial and tribulation over the last while. Yet, your pawsitive focus bodes well for a continued upbeat realisation in 2015.
My human and I both know of upheavals and the blogging world in always there in the background cheering you on.
Pawsitve, seasonal wishes,
Penny :)
You sold the condo? Woohoo! That's great news, my friend. I can only imagine what a relief that was. :)
Merry Christmas!
Glad things are settling for you Michael.Giving and helping others really does do amazing things for our own hearts. Hope the holidays and 2015 bring you all kinds of joy.
hope your new place is nice and comfy, Mikey, you hunk
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