Raised Catholic but it doesn't "fit" anymore.  I am not sure where I fit but I find myself feeling more alive and connected to God and the world when I am working in my gardens.  Hearing the birds, smelling the flowers and enjoying all the other physical manifestations of the miracles of nature brings me close to the spirit of our creator.

I joined the community to talk with others living with chronic pain from arthritis and fibromyalgia.  I was a real type A, hard driven, high acheiving manager in a European owned company and traveled all over the U.S. and other countries every week of the year.  I did not have many friends due to never being in one place for more than a few days, and just too busy to make time to get to know people.  My Dr.s tried to get me to slow down and quit work for several years.  then one day, my body just said enough and here I sit--disabled and pretty much friendless due to never putting a priority on it.  thankfully, I met a man in the same industry and we married 7 years ago.  I have been disabled since Jan. 05 and am slowly creating a new life.

We have 17 acres out in the country and I spend my time planting, studying natural ways to deal with the diseases and the constant pain.  We have 5 adult children between us and 6 grandchildren.  Now I know what life is really all about.

I am hoping to meet many more of you, exchanging information to heal us all but more importantly, sharing myself with you and learning about you.  This may sound like I am depressed and alone but that is not how I see it.  To me it is a start of a new life and I look forward to everyday being a new adventure with every new friend a gift to me, and hopefully to them as well.