My best friend, Marc, who lives in Lafayette CA and was my college roommate, first 'Best Man' and constant philosopher - it was his Major in school - once told me that you have three elements that in your life will dictate the level of your happiness.

They are:
1. Living where you want to live.
2. Doing what you want to do.
3. Doing it with whomever you want to do it with.

Marc said that if you have all three you are happy. Only two and you are adequate but not satisfied. Only one and you are not in control of your life anymore and probably very unhappy.

Once, for about 22-23 years, I had all three.

Then came the breakup, the sell-off and finally the move to Ohio. The last item was done because of my Mother's wish to live back here in her final years. But it was my choice to do it.

So I lost numbers 1 and 3.

I am still not sure about number 2, either. But at least I am painting and trying.

Some times I just want to pack the cats in the car and bolt.