Dreams vs. Reality

I have been saving my money for something special for a while now. It hasn't been easy to tuck away a few dollars here and there, but I had a grand idea.. a truly wonderful, beautiful idea, and it was worth every hard-earned dollar!

A few months ago,  I decided I was going to pick a few days in September or October and take my girls to Massachusetts to see our precious Aunt Dottie and, if we were lucky, drive out to Louisa May Alcott's house to take a picture of my little women in front of this green door:

 

I absolutely ache to see Dottie again and I grew more and more excited over my wonderful idea as the saved money stash began to show actual promise of this dream becoming a reality..  But you know what they say, "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."

It would appear that Life has happened to my little stash of money.  It started out innocent enough.. someone needed last minute school supplies or maybe help with gas money.  Then when school started this week, suddenly there were class supplies and extra fees that we hadn't counted on. USB drives had to be purchased, printer paper, ink, and SD cards for cameras, and the list goes on.  I had to have the girls write down all their extra fees just so I wouldn't forget! 

Before I knew it, that little nest of money that was carefully put aside for The Trip had all but vanished. Like a spoiled child, Life had gotten its own way again.

I'm sad. Truly sad. I wanted so badly to take a little trip to see Dottie. I wanted my girls to see Dottie, and for Dottie to see my girls.  The dream was so close, I could almost smell the crisp autumn air of Massachusetts. Now, I don't think I can save up that trip money in time... but I console myself with the knowledge that I was able to get my girls the supplies they needed and for that I'm grateful. 

Dottie, we will keep trying. Hopefully this little setback won't delay this dream for too long. We really want to come see you!

Happy Birthday, Aunt Dottie!!

Today is my beautiful, great aunt Dottie's birthday! Words have not yet been invented to describe how much I love this extraordinary lady.  Dottie lives in Massachusetts, so I don't get to see her very often, but she is in my thoughts every single day. When I think of Dottie, I hear her melodious laughter which lifts my heart, I see her beautifully delicate hands which remind me so much of my sweet Grandmother, and just the thought of Dottie makes me smile.  Beautiful lady, I hope you are having the very best day because you deserve every wonderful thing life has to offer! I love you oh so much!

I "borrowed" this picture from Facebook. I am so envious of everyone who was able to spend that special day with Dottie!  Love you, Aunt Dottie!