Hi! *waves*
Thank you to everyone who still checks in on here. I know I’ve been gone a while, but I’m finally settled in again. Hmm, where to begin? The beginning is always the best. Back in July 2024, we made the decision to leave Georgia. I wasn’t happy there, it was the one place I mentioned I never wanted to live and I was there 8 years anyway, haha. It happens.
Anyway, in July a decision was made and told ourselves ninety days and we would head out for our next and hopefully final destination. I was excited, ready for a new adventure and a change. I picked the state, flew out to look at homes, found one I loved and knew it was time to go. What I didn’t realize is that two of my dogs wouldn’t make it with me. I can’t remember if I posted it here, but earlier in the year, I lost Weezy and Brick. Now, in the span of two weeks, immediately prior to leaving I lost Buddha and Peanut. Losing four dogs, I’ve had since they were pups broke me. Peanut was my protector and Buddha was the best dog, he loved with his whole body, ha. But, Peanut’s hips went out and Buddha’s cancer was in a spot that would have taken an actual surgeon to try to remove. Not that I wouldn’t have spent the money, but it had spread. So, in one year, I lost my four pups who have been with me through multiple cross country moves and all my ups and downs. While I was excited for what was coming, I also felt heartbroken. I had to shove the sadness down though. It doesn’t go away, it’s still there. Even as I write this 8 months later, the tears are still here.
Life doesn’t wait for you though, you have to keep moving. Which is exactly what I did. In early September, the four day cross country trip began. I packed up the car and the u-haul and thus began our journey, with two dogs and belongings I didn’t donate. Obviously we made it safely. Now just needed a home. Unfortunately, the first house I loved, fell through at the very end. It was another blow, looking back I’m grateful that house fell through, but in the moment, it was frustrating.
I put a pause on the house search for a couple of months, because the goal was to be in the new house by Thanksgiving. Of course, that didn’t happen, so I had to find a temporary place to stay that allowed my dogs. Found an amazing place and hunkered down for the holidays. At the beginning of this year, the search began again. Then in March, we closed on our new home. Not only that, but we picked up a new adoptee. His name is Sonic and as you can tell from the picture below, he and Porky get along great. Riggs took a little bit of time, but now that Sonic is a little bit bigger and he can play with him, Riggs has decided that Sonic can stay, lol.
I’ve officially been in my new home for just over a month and I’m happy. I’m building a goat shelter and getting goats. My full-time job is still full-time+ but I’m dealing for now. The most important part of this post, is to say now that I’m finally settled again, the words are coming again. It’s a good thing to, because I have a signing coming up in August, my only one for the year, but I’m excited.
I’m excited to be writing again. I can feel the ideas bubbling to the top of my brain again and they’re itching to be written. That is exactly what I plan on doing. Not only that, I got a sublimation printer, so my goodies are about to blow up again. I cannot wait to start making mugs, tumblers and other goodies for not only here, but upcoming signings.
All of this to say, I’m sorry I’ve been gone. I’m still here and so are the words. I will be finishing up Whispered Secrets and I’ve started on Book 5 of my Quinn Winters series. Thank you again for sticking with me and if you’ve read this jumbled, hot mess all the way through, an even bigger thank you. The books are coming… and so are the extras. You should be able to purchase again from my website again, too. For now I leave you with appreciation and the promise that things are happening.
Be kind to yourself and one another.
Love, Ivy
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