Wow. It’s been almost two years since my last post! I consult the blog often to find a recipe or to refer a friend to some research I had done on a health issue but haven’t been compelled to write. It seems a fitting time now to post as I have finally made it back home, back to my roots – Massachusetts.

What a whirlwind it has been and I’m happy to report that I feel like I am where I need to be. Spending time with family and in the nature-filled lands of my youth has been wonderful. While it took some twists and turns getting here, I am grateful for the jagged and lovely path and the people with whom I spent time along the way. A lot of the experiences that brought me here felt like a kick in the a$s – e.g. major health scare, Covid-19, leaving a serious relationship, deciding where I wanted to live – VA, FL, MA, somewhere else ? – but I have tremendous gratitude. Life is like that. When you follow the signs and nudges without too many questions, you flow. The bruises heal. The heart strengthens.

In keeping with the “getting back to my roots” theme, I stopped dyeing my roots six months ago to see what was going on under there. It’s incredibly liberating and really made possible by Covid-19, at least to get me started. I had colored my hair for the past 20 years, and I was worried that I would look like an old hag. However, I follow some beautiful women out there who are rockin’ their natural locks – my dear friend FalconWildBeautifulHair @annikavonholdt @silver.amomeusbrancos @mirandaparker. Thank you ladies! Full disclosure, I did add some blonde highlights to blend with my new hair growth and all those other colors but I’m done dyeing my roots. My plan is to add some highlights a few times a year instead of visiting the salon every 2-3 weeks. It wasn’t a bad thing exactly, visiting the salon often, that is. I had the best stylist and friend ever – Manuela Morancais from Red Carpet Salon in Coral Gables. She used to apply my henna, which is a natural option to consider if you are not ready to go grey.

So here I am with my multi-colored hair living in a Hallmark-storybook town called Westborough. I am writing you from a newly-renovated 3rd floor winding-stair walk up apartment in an historic 1880 house a block from the center of town. It’s a bit weird living in a new town when not much is open due to the pandemic. I have visited Elsie Kaye Glassworks, an adorable local handmade gift store that thankfully is open and have gone on lots of walks and hikes exploring. The town bell tolls on the hour for every hour, which is quaint and also annoying if I forget to wear my earplugs at night. People actually leave their bikes out without a lock in this town, which is a clue that I am no longer in Miami. Still, I do miss you desperately Miami friends!

So while the world is going through utter chaos and I am constantly saddened by the news and state of our country, I am hopeful for a bright future. I am focusing on the good, like bonding in the garden with my dad. He gave me my first tractor lesson yesterday. Ella leapt out of my mother’s arms to chase after me and I tore up the lawn trying to stop the tractor so I didn’t run her over. We all survived and had a belly laugh about f’in up what my dad refers to as his “fashion lawn.” Maybe I’ll post a video on Instagram of the lawn tear- up. Below I share photos our mostly-successful garden, the 1953 Ford golden jubilee tractor and my dad, aka Farmer Fred, building trellises for the pea pods.

So that’s my update. I hope everyone is safe and well and staying positive during this difficult, frustrating time. There are so many good, kind, caring people in this world. Let our focus be on them but also on those who are less kind. It’s those who are less kind who need the message of love and caring the most. I’m still not exactly sure how to accomplish the latter endeavor but I’m working on it as best I can. I feel like a transformation is about to happen. I hope everyone is registered and gets out there to vote in November the day after my birthday! As a newly registered Massachusetts voter, I will be casting my ballot. Every single vote counts. Well, let’s hope.