^{[I originally posted this entry as early access for my Patreon patrons on 19 June 2021].}

A second long, emotionally exhausting call today. The final clarification. Confirmation of the closing of a chapter.

I got some answers. I got an answer I expected, but that still stung and disappointed me.

At the end of it all, I still feel there are puzzle pieces forever lost down the back of the couch. But the jigsaw was thrown out months ago, so does it really matter anymore?

After the call and freshening up, I ventured outside into an overcast day.

And there, in our garden, just by the path across the front of the building, I saw a poppy.

I've never seen them in our garden in all of the five years I've lived here. But there are also some - yet to flower - along the main path. I noticed them on my return from the supermarket.

I took some photos with my phone on the way out but took my D700 down to take some more once I had returned and put away my purchases.

Seeing this delicate beauty in my yard - seemingly having appeared out of nowhere - was a gentle reminder to me on a day like today. When everything feels like it's gone to shite, that even in darkness, there is beauty.

There are new beginnings to be discovered and embraced. Unexpected but treasured.

The past two years have been difficult and stressful for me for so many reasons, and the past six months feels like it has reached a fever pitch.

Maybe this final gut-punch is what I need to move forward and find my focus again. Focus that's been gone for too long. But particularly so in the past year.

I value genuine lovers, close relationships, loyalty, honesty and openness. But I've never defined myself by my romantic relationships.

I've never needed a relationship to prove my self-worth, and sometimes they actually serve to make me lose sight of my own self-worth and direction.

To lose focus by creating a distraction and additional problems to solve, instead of solving the most important things I should be focussing on.

And, at times like these, I'm reminded that I crave new beginnings. New seasons of self. And the blossoming of new ideas and opportunities.

Here's to new beginnings.