Coming out of the dark ... (Bangor, Belfast: house, job market, live)

[strichmo]

at last ... it seems. I'm almost afraid to breathe more easily, but today was a very good day ... the best I believe, since my accident and the loss of my darling Mandy.

Speaking of the sweet little sea poodle, I picked up her ashes today from the vet hospital here in Belfast. While that event was not without tears, the hospital staff was very kind and sympathetic; they even said they'd be on the lookout for a new small poodle for me.

I had rented wheels today so got to go pick up a few groceries and sundries and then took a couple of "bad" book gifts back to Borders at the Bangor Mall. Replaced them with a book about Andrew Wyeth. Then came back to Belfast and the Dockside for amazing scallop stew and sweet potato fries. I'm feeling the wellfed snoozies right now and suspect I shan't be long from la boudoir after I finish this.

I also applied for a couple of jobs today. Although I have a Master's degree in library science and I've taught English and writing for years and I also am a certified paralegal, I don't have to be doing any of that. I'd take any job offered right now, just to get out of the house and get a little money coming in. If any of you dear folks know or hear of anything, do let me know.

While I certainly don't want anyone to think I'm overdoing the thank yous, I do want you all to know how very deeply your kindness and concern have moved me these past days and weeks. I honestly don't know if I could have gotten through them without you; at the very least, it would have been much more difficult.

With hope, love, and peace,

Stephen

[BacktoNE]

I'm glad you are feeling better today Stephen. I hope that each day will now be easier for you, and that you find what you are looking for in the job market as well.

[msina]

I wish you all the best the world has to offer, I hope everything continues to improve.

[moughie]

Best wishes to you, stephen.

The world always looks better after eating scallop stew and reading a good book about paintings of Andrew Wyeth.

[Submariner]

Take it easy.

May God bless you.

[emu742]

I am glad things are starting to look up for you! Take care!!

[strichmo]

Lovely sprung-ahead services at Searsport Congregational. Then lunch and a nap; then a brief excursion to the used bookstore just outside of Belfast for a bit of browsing; then back to wonderful Reny's and a bit more browsing and a Torani soda at Mr. Paperback/Bell the Cat. Then home and a bit of writing, which, thank God, is once again coming easily and steadily. Now, some correspondance and then reading and, if there's anything watchable, a tad TV.

If every Sunday for the rest of my life could be as genteel, cordial, and utterly and pleasantly mundane, I'll be a content and happy man. But of course, that's not particularly realistic, but I'm trying very hard to keep the bad at bay.

Praying for peace and ease for you all, the World, and, not least, for myself.

Stephen

[Boomerang]

Stephen,
If I've learned nothing else through all the trials and tribulations of life, I've learned that no matter how bad things may seem to be, there's always better times ahead. I've lost some people and pets that were very dear to me, and had ups and downs of other kinds like everyone else. But there are people out there who would benefit from your help and kindness, and other pets who desperately need good homes. None of us can ever go back to what was. Thank goodness, perhaps! We live and learn to appreciate good health when we have it, the beauty of nature where we can, and grow wiser if we're lucky. Hang in there and strive to have faith in each day, no matter what. There's always something joyful coming your way in time!

[arzachena]

Stephen,

I love reading your posts. I can visualize all the places you mention and it brings a piece of home to me. Thank you. How did you like the used book store? You might run into my mom at Reny's one of these days. She shops there all the time.

So glad that things are better and pray it stays that way. Have fun discovering your new town and I will be there is 76 days

[strichmo]

it's somewhat disheartening to learn that there are a lot of folks who are really struggling not just economically, but with their social relationships as well.

I had the most wonderful meeting this morning with the Rev. Dr. Arlin Lawson of the Searsport Congregational Church. Since I was in the eighth grade, I've felt a very strong attraction to the spiritual side of life. I've been told by three different Catholic priests that they believed I had a vocation. While I agree, I've just not quite found the right fit. Dr. Lawson gave me some ideas to explore that may help with this.

I also got to visit with my dear new friend Peter at the Belfast Harbor Inn. Then, I went to the public library and a brief trip to Hannaford's. Just now had a lovely long dinnertime phone conversation with my friend Sheryl in Cincinnati.

It was a good day.

Stephen