Balance

I spent my day today selling pumpkins. In addition to owning a small press, being an aspiring writer, and holding down a day job to actually pay the bills, I also operate a small u-pick pumpkin farm with my husband.

Certainly there are times when it feels like a lot; then there are weeks like this one when the balance feels perfect. I started out my week in Seattle, attending a conference with other law enforcement professionals talking about the standardization of crime statistics reporting and, in one case, how those statistics can be better used to track information on missing children. I spent my evenings eating good food, shopping, and visiting with colleagues. In the late evenings I worked on my books, updating my website with info on new signing events and keeping up with correspondence.

I returned home mid-week to get ready for opening day on the farm. I was able to spend time with my dog Jack, playing at the lake and enjoying some glorious fall weather. I got to enjoy time on my farm, making applesauce, picking the last of the blackberries, cleaning and taking care of final details to be ready for today. The days spent working on the farm are so fulfilling and always leave me feeling grounded and whole.

Today I got to see family and old friends and make new friends as people came to our sweet little farm in search of the perfect pumpkin for carving and baking. There were little children, filled with wonder and joy, running and playing, going from one pumpkin to the next saying, "I want this one. Wait, no, I want this one. Or maybe I want this one."

This evening while I await the arrival of some dear friends who graciously offered to bring us dinner on this busy day, I am able to spend some time reflecting on just how lucky I am. My life is full...bursting at the seams really. I am surrounded by people who love and appreciate me, and my days are filled with the perfect balance of the things that bring me joy. Life is good.