From the archives, how to cheer up the darker days…

The days are getting shorter, the nights colder.  Although we can’t bring back the light of the summer and we can’t stop the rain from falling on our heads, there are always the simple, small ways to lift our spirits.  If you are mid-divorce especially, the darkness out your window only adds to your dark mood.

image; Jan’spageofawesomeness tumblr

Autumn always signals personal reassessment for me.  Whether it be in my home, my closets, my work and creativity, or even relationships.  It must be that old, back to school feeling.  Remember when you would get taken out by your mother for back to school shoes? It was so special and exciting you might even get a new dress or jacket out of the deal. 

photo by Mary Schonnen

“Summertime, and the livin’ is easy…your daddy’s rich and your mamma’s good lookin’..”  That old Gershwin jazz tune always plays through my mind in June.  Summer is upon us and we’ve waited patiently for it to come! We even travel great distances at great expense during the winter months to get a taste of this season in some other exotic locale.  But now we have it, right outside our own

My daughter enjoying the ocean view

I just finished my morning coffee on the beach with the eagles, the loons and the less majestic sea gulls.  The cooler night air has brought with it a hint of fog on the water.  The first sign of the fall season.  It’s been a wonderful two weeks with my kids but now we have to say good bye, something I hate. 

photo credit: beachriot.tumblr.com

Recently, I had the good fortune to spend a few days at our family’s summer place.  I often retreat there, even in winter time but there is something really special about the summer.  I’m not sure if it’s the small town, ‘back in time’ feel or simply being surrounded by the ocean that does it.  But once you are there for a few hours you start to feel the relaxation kick in.  The worries and tension, all too common during divorce seem to melt away. 

“Summer Lovin’ had me a blast…”  IT’s officially summer, so let’s get into it!  How?  I have a recipe you’ll love…guaranteed to make your summer joy happen;

Our favorite; Charlie Brown and his famous tree

One of the most difficult times of the year for divorced and broken families is undoubtedly the Christmas Season.  Especially the first couple of years when it is a time for re-building and transitioning the new family unit.