My Fab Four

Meet the Fab Four of my life – the four pillars that keep me grounded, inspired, and constantly entertained. They’re not a rock band, but they sure do rock my world in unique ways. So, let’s start with number four, shall we?

#4 Learning Stuff

Picture this: me, a perpetual student, forever thirsty for knowledge like a desert wanderer seeking an oasis. From gardening to real estate to life coaching to mastering the art of yoga, I’ve dipped my toes into more fields than I can count. And let me tell you, learning has never been more exhilarating since I traded in high school hallways for college campuses. Oh, the stories I could tell you…like that one summer a professor decided to hold class on the Union Terrace, where beer flowed as freely as ideas. Learning new stuff isn’t just a hobby…it’s my happy place, my playground of possibility. 

#3 Books

I’ve gone through phases over the years. I had a small collection of children’s books in the basement of our old house. I would sit in my little black rocker and wish I knew what they said. In elementary school, I fell in love with reading when Mrs. Heimeral read “Black Beauty” to the class. In middle school, I read “Caddie Woodlawn”, “Where the Red Fern Grows”, and everything by S.E. Hinton. My mom even permitted me to check out books like Judy Bloom’s “Forever” from the little room just off the library where “special” books were kept. In the summer before my freshman year, I read “Gone With the Wind”. I was shocked and so disappointed that the story didn’t have a happy ending! When I reached High School, hormones hit and I dove into historical romance–bodice rippers. Ooh la la!!!

As an adult, I’ve kept lists of books in the backs of my journals. I include books that I read and audiobooks. I’ve listened to Pat Conroy’s southern lilt as he read his book “The Prince of Tides” and the entire “Gunslinger” series read by Stephen King. I followed along for several years with Oprah’s Book Club selections and stayed up until the birds started singing when I had to finish the historical thriller, “Sarah’s Key” by Tatiana deRosnay. My current book list includes memoirs and anything inspirational or in the “self-help” category (especially if it is geared toward mid-life women).

#2 Walking/Running

When I got my first dog, Eli, I felt so guilty leaving her alone all day. To make her, and I feel better, I committed to taking her for a run or a brisk walk every day.

Then, when I turned 50, I decided to run a marathon. In preparation for that event, I began walking and then running every day before work. Huey was my fur baby at this time and she kept me accountable. 

Now, Stella and Evie are my partners. Sometimes Stella chooses to sleep in, but Evie is always ready to go–whether the sun is up yet, or not. I love to see the moon and stars…then the fresh sunrise. Throughout the year, the morning air is crisp and invigorating. Right now, the birds are back and I feel a connection to them just waking up and beginning their morning songs. It’s easy to locate a lone cardinal singing his heart out or a flock of sparrows cheeping in the bushes. Sometimes I’ll hear the screeching of an owl in the distance. Now, when I go a longer distance, I will listen to a podcast, but really, this is “me time” when I take the time to just be. It offers me the space to think, plan, and dream.

#1 Family

Not only do I love getting together and spending time with family–on random, ordinary days–but I also enjoy the many special times we get together. In our family, each “house” is in charge of a holiday. Judy and Michelle alternate hosting Easter, I do Thanksgiving, Sandy does Christmas Day, and we get together with my mother-in-law, Louellen, on Christmas Eve. It feels like such a blessing to see cousins laughing together and babies bouncing on Granpa’s lap. It’s the perfect time to overwhelm a new girlfriend with everyone’s name and to catch up on everyone’s latest adventure.

We are also a family that enjoys birthday celebrations. A few presents, a meal, and a special birthday cake (and maybe some slush) are what we need to gather everyone.

And then there is the annual two-week family event at our Door County cottage. People come and go as work schedules allow. We hit the beach, go on 6-mile “death marches”, and cook a predictable menu of favorite entrees every night. We all come with dogs and enjoy seeing the seven of them playing and walking with us along the beach. Every year we hold a “Corn Hole” contest with some people surprising us with their luck/skills (Aubrey) and others not so surprising us with their skills (Keegan). For the past couple of years, we have overflowed into our rental cabin next door to accommodate all 13 of us.

And there you have it – my Fab Four, the guiding stars of my life’s playlist. From the thrill of discovering new knowledge to losing myself in the pages of a good book, from the rhythmic cadence of my morning walks to the comforting embrace of family gatherings, each element adds its melody to the symphony of my existence.

As I reflect on these four “favorites”, I realize they’re not just hobbies or routines; they’re the essence of who I am. They shape my days and color my experiences. Together, they form the soundtrack of my life, a melody that I’ll continue to dance to with each passing day. 

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