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   In dealing with life's little vicissitudes, I try most to remember that years ago, I read something, which struck me then.  This is the basic premise:  one must find one's happiness in small things, plus, one must keep the idea close that one must not have any expectations.  Some of this came, I know, from the Al-Anon program, but in using this, it has helped me greatly.  

    I entered into a relationship with a man whom I met initially on-line, in a fairly innocuous situation, farmersonly.com.  Living in the country, I felt that if I only talked with people I contacted, that it would be fairly safe.  Overall, this was true.  I found several guys that seemed okay, till I communicated with them over a period of time.  Eventually, I would email them, & basically tell those I rejected, that "we have nothing in common".  This worked well.  I met a few fellows, but found quickly that those weren't the right ones, at all.  

   Eventually, I met a man, a fiddle player, who originally came from Missouri.  He was living in Connecticut at the time.  We emailed back & forth, eventually talked on the phone.  He sounded rather nice, and also, had a college degree which was important to me.  Long story short, he was travelling to MO., and we set a date to meet....all came out okay, & I knew the same day I met him, that this was a special relationship.  We share many interests, and he has gone on to win several olde time fiddle contests, here in my state, including prizes in the Indiana State Fair Olde Time Fiddle contest.  We have been living together for over a year now.  

   One of my sons used to say to me, "Mom, just don't settle.  You'd be better off alone."  I found that being older has mellowed me, & quite frankly, I am willing to settle some now.  I feel that we should grasp our opportunities as they come.  Also that you need to think which opportunity is the best...i.e., I was officially retired, but came to look for a part time job.  I saw an ad in the paper which asked for a part time job...in a nearby town, with the same company that I had retired from.  I realized this was something that was right under my nose.  I had an excellent rapport with my company, when I was working as a case manager with them.  I took a "lesser" position with the same company, only in a closer town.  It is not as satisfying, but it is helping an older woman to work, to pat my self esteem, and to help with those bills that keep coming in.   I have a black cat called Zubi, and she adds much to my life....when I least expect it, she comes to me, twirrs in greeting, & jumps onto my lap.  Just petting her calms me, & makes me realize that she is "one of those little things" that makes me happy.