As my month in Tucson comes to a close, I thought I would take a moment to appreciate it.

I have been dreaming about doing this for a long time.

• My mom and dad used to take vacations in Mesa, Arizona and I remember being so jealous. I wanted to be in warm weather too.
• Then my sister started spending longer amounts of time in Florida. I visited her on a couple of occasions, and just loved the sun. She eventually moved there and likes to send us pictures of her on the beach. I wanted to be in those pictures.
• My husband and I started taking vacations during the winter, and although I was always ready to get back to my kids, the warmth of the sun was amazing. Every time we vacationed, I thought to myself, “I am going to winter in a warm climate someday.”

Growing up in Minnesota, I am used to long winters. But the snow and especially the ice brings my energy way down.

Every year when I would write out my dreams, living in warm weather in the winter was on top of the list. I was never sure how or when it would happen, but I put it out in the Universe and just let it be.

Finally, this year, all the stars aligned, and I was able to make plans to spend a month in Tucson.

• My dad moved out of our house to a nursing home and my siblings are visiting him.
• My son, Ryan, graduated from college, got a job and moved to Tucson. What a perfect place to visit!
• I started my blog and wanted some time away to just write.
• Our finances allowed us to rent a townhome.
• My husband, Dave, gave me the OK.
• My two other children are living on their own and are OK without me?.

So, in mid-January, my husband and I loaded up my car with my computer, clothes and other essentials (like his golf clubs) and headed to Arizona. It took us two days with a stop in Amarillo, Texas.

Dave spent the first week with me, which was really nice to have his help in getting the lay of the land.

I had several friends come down to visit. We hiked, sat by the pool, ate at great restaurants and just enjoyed each other’s company.

Fun fact: Tucson was named the first UNESCO City of Gastronomy in the USA in 2017. San Antonio, Texas is the only other city in the United States on the list. In simple terms, the title means that the city is rich in cultural and diverse food and restaurants.

A couple of our favorite spots were First Watch and Bisbee Breakfast Club for breakfast. Seis Kitchen and Choice Greens for lunch. And BJ’s Brewhouse, El Charro, El Corral and Trattoria Pina for dinner.

I have not gone hungry here. There are so many options.

All of these pictures were taken on the Sabino Canyon trails in the Coronado National Forest.

Side note: The beauty of being in Tucson right now is that as I am sitting here writing this, I needed a break, so I just got up and took a walk around the block in the sunshine in my flip flops. Heavenly!

Last weekend my family came down to visit and that was so much fun. Every chance I can get my kids together in one place is amazing. I love how they interact with each other when we are together. We are a family that loves to laugh and there was no shortage of that. From the night of karaoke, to walking the trails, to chatting by the pool, eating at great restaurants, making my dream dinner for the Super Bowl, to visiting the ZOO, to making plans for the next get together; every moment was precious.

It is now my last week of my month in Tucson, and it is only Ryan and I left. When I first booked this visit, I heard through the grapevine that Ryan was telling people we would have “boundaries” when I was here. Of course, I called him out on it, but I understood. So far, we have given each other the space we need while spending a few nights and weekend days together. This weekend we will watch the Oscars together! Being able to spend time with him has been a treasure, because these moments are few and far between now that he lives here.

So, while I have been having so much fun, why did I come down here?

The main reason I wanted to come down here was so that I could write. I have definitely done that, and I have learned some things about myself along the way.

1. When I am at home, I feel guilty when I spend too much time in my office. Guilty that I am not taking our dog for a walk, doing laundry or cleaning, visiting my dad, spending more time with Dave, etc., etc. But in Tucson on my own, I love getting up in the morning and going straight to my computer and just working all day. I eat when I’m hungry, get up and move throughout the day and take little breaks, but mostly I just write and learn. It is absolutely fabulous!
2. I have found my purpose. Being alone all day and having the time to really think, has shown me that I can just be myself. Allow what I enjoy to be what I do. I was chasing ideas and tasks to make my blog successful, but nothing was really sticking. When I let go and just write, share, connect and be me, everything goes so much more smoothly.
3. I am living marvelously. My life is pretty awesome.

Now I need to get back to my home and back to some responsibilities. I miss my husband and my dog very much. But I’m going back with a new perspective.

Life is too short to not do what brings you joy!

I am going to write and learn as much as I can. I will try to schedule my days so that I make time for all of the other things I need to do. But I am not going to feel guilty or pressured for making the most of my life!

I understand that I am pretty lucky for being here, but then I think about this quote by Oprah.

“I believe luck is preparation meeting opportunity. If you hadn’t been prepared when the opportunity came along, you wouldn’t have been lucky.” 

If you have a dream to spend a month in Tucson or anything else, start preparing now!

You can start by reading this post: Making Dreams Come True

Thank you Arizona for all of the warmth and sunshine! I’ll be back in Minnesota soon!