While watching La Strada and devouring a Barcelona Bar, I suddenly realized the date. Could it be? Yes, indeed. A year ago I started my blog. It was a cold night, my back was hurting, a sick baby lay next to me, with a new laptop beside me, and a traveling ex which meant no break for another 2 weeks. I could not reconcile the physical stillness and quietude that accompanied a sick child with the zillion ideas racing through my head. And there, my new laptop sat, shiny new and fast with lots of memory… Saffron Paisley was born.

In my 20s I had aspirations for both an academic and culinary career. Then I got married, and though I still thought those two paths possible, somehow I got sidetracked. This happens, more often than not. But now, or a year ago, in my late 30s (ahem), all I could think about was writing. Just writing about all the things that matter to me… And that is what I’ve been doing. And I refuse to be discouraged by the fact that the post that gets the most hits is about Skype sex.

How to measure progress? Today my daughter is sick, the same stillness and quietude reigns, and the same desire to write persists. My ex is away,  5 weeks this time, and I am as overwhelmed and stressed as a year ago. And my back still hurts! Where is the progress? I have to look closely, for it is there, unquestionably. Getting through the year, √. Happy healthy kid, √√√√√. Dating, sort of, √√√.  Sleeping better, √√. Drinking less coffee and booze,      . Creative juices still flowing, √√√√√.  Feeling strong and capable, √√√√√. Endless possibilities, √√√√√. Things to write about and do, alone and with my daughter, √√√√√√√√√√.

The best part is that Saffron Paisley exists, is part of a community, has a rockin’ set of friends, and is supported and followed and read and even, unimaginably, has some very loyal fans! Who knew?! And for those things, I am very grateful. Thank you.