When I began this blog in 2010, I hadn’t written much for thirty years. It was such a joy to “open the door to my heart.” Since that time, I have shared intimately about my life. I started out by writing about my past and continued to share personal details and deep emotions about my present life.
Something definitely has shifted in the past few years. Perhaps it began in 2019, when I broke my ankle while hiking. I experienced numbness and withdrawal. Not long after I could walk again (I was in a wheelchair for 4 months) – the pandemic arrived.
Even with the isolation from Covid 19, I have kept myself on a peaceful path. I can admit that I definitely ate too much and it’s been very hard for me to deal with that, especially after my sedentary experience with a broken ankle. But every day I focus upon my amazing recovery. I still play a decent tennis game and enjoy slugging it out with my friends twice a week. Tennis has helped pull me through and continues to be my therapy.
2020 and 2021 gave me the opportunity to create a create a third course for my favorite app, Insight Timer. It is named “Door to My Heart.” Most people would assume a course is academic. For me, I have chosen to share wisdom and insight I’ve discovered through my song lyrics. I already have two other courses on Insight Timer and there was more for me to share with the songs for this third one.
One of my song lessons is named “The Door.” I have come a long way since I went through the door, which is a metaphor for ending my marriage of 31 years. I moved out 10 years ago on my birthday, which is in two weeks. I can’t believe an entire decade has gone by, although it’s hard for me to imagine my former life anymore. It really seems so long ago.
Below is a link to a page about my course, that includes many musical tracks associated with it.
Insight Timer Course – DOOR TO MY HEART
I’ve decided to catch my blog up to speed with my life again. It is fun to “put myself out there!” I have a lot of pictures to share and will let those tell my story. So much more will be posted here soon.
I will start off with my most recent paintings.
I’m hanging out with my BFF, Joni. We were in Malibu Creek State Park that day, where Joni is a docent.
In March, my daughter visited from Minnesota where she now lives. We took a lovely walk around her former area in Altadena.
It was a lovely Mother’s Day this year, when I had all my children together with me!
In June, I visited my former high school choir teacher, Frankie. As a result of visiting her, 3 years ago I become good friends with David (who is on my left.) This was my second time seeing Jim (on my right) after 40 years!
David is my buddy. He also lives in his childhood home only a mile away from me. We enjoy hanging out together. He’s also a great singer!
myjourneysinsight 
Ah! The door to your heart is such a large door because it is such a large heart, and it must be large for all that love to flow through! It’s so nice to see a post and I just love how you share all about you and your life, Judy 😊 What a super photo of you and your children! You could never deny that they are little mini-me’s!!
Congrats on your new course 😊 Such a creative endeavor and I know that every inch of it comes from your soul!
I can’t believe it’s been 10 years since you changed your life in such a huge way!! And look at all the incredible things you have done in the time since!
I know you keep learning and you keep experiencing life in so many ways, and THAT, my friend, is a beautiful thing!!
Sending lots of love and good wishes for coming week (and this weekend!!!)
😊😊💜💜
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I treasure all of your words, Lorrie Bowden! It amazes me what a strong heart connection we have. I’m always amazed how blogging has led me to special friendships and you are very dear to me!
Thank you for your acknowledgment of my achievements over these past 10 years. It’s so easy to forget and think about the things I haven’t done yet. Thankfully, it’s all beautiful because I celebrate my journey, not my destination.
Hoping you are able to enjoy the weekend, despite all that you’ve gone through preparing for that hurricane. So relieved you’re okay!!
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I’m so happy we have connected here, Judy 😊 It is a special friendship and I truly look forward to our conversations. Thanks for all your well wishes…we are completely fine where we are…the west coast and the path Ian took…not so much.
Hope you have a truly blessed week 😊💜
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What a wonderful photo of you with your guitar in front of a beautiful door surrounded by greenery. I loved reading this post and you have so many wonderful things going on in your life now. The photos are all so nice and I always love seeing your art. Your music soothes my soul and is so healing. Keep creating. Lots of love. Cathy
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Thank you so much for this message, Cathy. I meant to reply sooner. You are such a source of support for me and I am blessed to have you in my life. I am glad my music is soothing for your soul. 🙂
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I enjoy reading your posts, Judy, because you are so honest and open about your life. You seem to be in a good place now, although I know there are always challenges! And once again your drawings are good enough to eat! I didn’t realize your daughter is living in Minnesota now. That’s my home state and I plan to move back someday! Take care and congratulations on ALL that you’ve accomplished. I think it’s more than you realize.
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Thanks, Belinda! It’s been 7 months since my last post, which I can’t believe. But I’m going to share more now, including my trip to visit her in Minnesota. How cool that it is your home state. I didn’t know that! 🙂
Thank you for your kind words. I think you’re right – that I don’t realize how much I’ve done. It’s funny that you said drawings instead of paintings. Believe it or not, I am actually drawing these days. It’s a new thing and I will certainly share more about that soon, too!
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Looking forward to hearing more from you!
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I said drawings, I should have said paintings. Anyway, they’re wonderful!
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I love seeing you smiling and happy! My favorite of these photos is the one with you and your children; you look like they bring you so much joy.
Cheers to closed doors, new doors, and open doors, each a meaningful way to nudge us forward.
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Thanks for your lovely comment, Katherin! That’s so beautiful how you see joy in the photo with my kids. Now I’m watching them go through many doors in their life and it sure triggers memories. Each day leads to even more reflection and appreciation for them.
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It looks as if things are going very well for you, Judy, and I’m so glad! Your art, your music, your courses…these are all ways that you share your insight and your heart with the rest of us. Isn’t it amazing what happens when we “open the door of our heart?” And I love the photos of you with your loved ones. Kathy’s right, you do look joyful with your children!
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Thank you so much, Ann! I appreciate your words very much. ❤️❤️❤️
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Love all the love that really resonates in this photo collection. Beautiful family! Beautiful friends!
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Thank you so much, Cathy! I always get my kids’ permission to share photos and I’m glad this one was approved!
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