Far too quiet for far too long

Good morning to everyone who has followed the Heart of Home: Finding My Homestead blog since it's creation in 2012. I know I dropped off the face of the Earth after I lost someone close to me and it's been difficult to find my muse after that. There was much need to sacrifice leisure for more work and more money, less time with family and for writing.

My Engagement Ring.
18k yellow gold with pear cut, pink sapphire.
Inscribed: "Royina De Mi Corazón"
Translation: Queen of My Heart   

Yet, I find myself missing the writing more than anything. It is my intention to reignite this flame called Heart of Home. Let me begin with a few personal updates.

I started working in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park September 25th 2018.

I got engaged October 24th 2018 to my long time lover. We plan to be handfasted at Samhain 2019.

I got accepted to Walters State College here in Sevierville, Tennessee. Classes start August 30th 2019. I'm studying for an Associates in Culinary Arts: Concentration- Baking and Pastry. I also plan to minor in Biology.