As Professor Albus Dumbledore explained to Harry Potter in “The Chamber of Secrets”,  phoenixes are “Fascinating creatures… They can carry immensely heavy loads, their tears have healing powers, and they make highly faithful pets.”

Can’t say I know anything about being a pet, but otherwise I can relate to the phoenix, especially the dying in flames and being reborn from the ashes part.  And while there aren’t as many flames as before, I’m ever growing and changing.  So far, so good. 

So here I am, continuing a blog that started about 5 years ago.  What could I write about?  Lots.  Observations, opinions and recollections about my past.  Some may ask, “why dredge up the past?  You’re in a better place, leave it in the past.”  In reply I paraphrase, if you forget the past, you’re doomed to repeat it.  And I sure as hell don’t want to repeat parts of my past.  Sometimes those memories make me cringe but I’m compelled to write it down, to remember and refrain.  Maybe along the way, someone else will read and learn from my experiences.  God knows I’m as far from perfect as one can get but I think I’m turning out OK.  It’s still a work in progress….