Saying Goodbye ~ by Kristine Raymond

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In the words of The Bard, "Parting is such sweet sorrow", and whether spoken at the end of a visit or when a loved one leaves this Universe for the next, goodbyes are never easy.

I've said more than my share in my almost 53 years on this earth.  To cherished furbabies that I cradled in my arms while they crossed the Rainbow Bridge; to five babies I carried for such a short time before their souls departed this realm for a higher one; to my dad whom I had no way of knowing wouldn't be there the next time I phoned.

I've said goodbye to friends I'd never see again and dreams that would never come true.  On the flip side, I've celebrated the expression of positive goodbyes - releasing bad habits and negative thoughts and toxic relationships from my life.

But the hardest farewell is the one uttered when you don't want to let go; when you've enjoyed the time spent with those you love, but must move on.  That's what this post is for me.

More than a year ago, Grace and Joanne invited me to contribute to a blog they were starting for creatives, aptly named Originality by Design.  Over the course of that time, I've written about my love of jigsaw puzzles, the inspiration I draw (no pun intended) from color, and even about the love of my life - my furbaby, Bruno.  (Not to worry, the hubs knows he's second on my list 😉😂)

I've enjoyed sharing an aspect of my life with you, giving you a peek into what makes me...well, me.  When you get right down to it, I'm a simple girl who loves nature, tea, furry critters, and good friends, not necessarily in that order.  Not in any order, in fact.  I love equally and across the board, which makes today so difficult, as it's the day I say goodbye to Originality by Design.

Oh, there're no ominous clouds hovering over my head, at least, none that I'm aware of.  I'll still be writing and recording the podcast and dancing outside in the sunshine with my critters at my feet while hummingbirds zip through the air and the wisteria vine blooms.  But this path I've been on has reached its end and it's time to set out on a new one; one filled with adventure and destinations unknown.  

What's that?  Oh, not to worry, I'll still be dropping by to see what everyone's up to.  And you can always reach out to me on social media (Facebook, mainly) or through my website. 

It's been an absolute joy contributing to this awesome blog.  I'm honored to have been included.  So, before things start turning mushy around here, there's only one thing left to say.  Or, maybe I won't...

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