Paula Danes is a pseudonym I’ve drawn from my family name. I’m a 69-year-old single mom with a colorful, if a bit crazy, background. My life has included many wonderful years filled with challenges that have helped me grow and learn. They’ve included years living below the poverty level and years not, years married and many years single, years that have included living in over 27 different locations from metropolitan to rural in 17 states. I’m a bit rickety and worn around the edges from logging many miles of running, moving heavy furniture, packing many uhauls, and carrying three children, but I continue to move, and laugh, and enjoy each day as much as possible.

I used to say the best of me could be seen in my service dog, now eight. He watches me, listens to me, talks to me and, along with my children, is one of my best friends. But I’ve come to realize the best of me can’t be seen in me but, instead, in those around me who I have the privilege of enjoying during my life. Their hope, joy, and grace are what I aspire to, even though I fall short and get only to bask in the light shining from them. They–and my pup–are the best of my life.

In this blog, I share my thoughts, links to my writing–some now published and available–and my photographs. I also share some of the works of others–with permission and credit provided. Most of all, I share my life. I hope you come, visit, enjoy, and subscribe!