Really Rita

Boundaries. Fences. Borders.  Sometimes these are used to keep things in and sometimes to keep things out.  Over the past few days, we’ve been talking about our joy.  We explored how to get it and where it comes from.  But how do you keep it, once you have it?  You’ve been spending time with the Lord, and you’re following His… Read More

On the way to the gym this morning (yeah, I actually made it today after yesterday’s epic fail), another driver needed to merge into my lane.  Due to my speed and another car in the left lane, I was unable to immediately move over to make room for the driver on my right.  I was trapped in the middle.  A… Read More

July 5, 2019 You may have noticed that I’ve gotten a little slack the last couple of days with my Journey to Joy postings.  All is well.  One of the things I’ve learned as a recovering card-carrying-Type-A personality is that I have to loosen up and be flexible to just let life come however it wants to instead of trying… Read More

July 3, 2019 A few days ago I needed to rework the logo for my consulting business that I’m rebranding.  For some reason, I was inspired to create one with a butterfly image.  I thought it was odd since my business wasn’t about gardening or landscaping. However, I continued with it because I am learning to trust my inner voice… Read More

So this is how the other half lives?  I mean the folks that have been blessed to retire.  Today was the first day of the regular week of my stay-cation.  I started the day with a couple of devotionals and some quiet time…you know where, yes on the back porch.  What can I say?  It’s like my sanctuary.  God and… Read More

Last week I had a minor outpatient surgical procedure on my toe.  For the first two nights, I was awakened by throbbing pain in the middle of the night.  On the first night, I attributed it to the anesthesia wearing off.  The second night it happened was more perplexing since I had walked all day with relatively no pain.  I… Read More

“When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” “Put on your big girl panties and get on with it.”  You can’t mope around forever…snap out of it.” Ever heard these bits of wisdom from well-meaning people before?  You probably agree that it is one thing to spout these adages, but quite often another to act on them.  But we try.  We… Read More

  Why a journey to joy?  I’ll tell you friends, the last few months have not been particularly joyful.  Work life is extremely stressful right now, and I wish I could say “this too shall pass” and “it’s only for a season.”  But when you in the middle of a hot mess, platitudes do not cut it.  When it comes… Read More

Hi friends! I’ve taken some days off from my day job for a stay-cation through July 7. I’m committed to using the next 10 days to refresh and renew my spirit. Join me on this Journey to Joy!  Look for a fresh reflection each day on finding and keeping our joy.

Recently I took the red-eye from San Francisco, California to Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina.  As we neared the end of the flight early on Sunday morning, people starting waking up and opening the window shades.  I took off my sleep mask and realized that the sun was about to rise over the horizon.  I love sunset and sunrise photos.  Every time… Read More