Blue Widow Chronicles

From loss to living. This is my story.

Just A Quick Note

me at work

A Status Update

Just a quick note to update everyone. I’ve been working so much lately because of Christmas it’s been almost impossible to sit down and write. To the contrary, a lot has been on my mind. When I do sit down and actually write something, an outpouring of emotion is all I get. Nothing tangible I can place in an article. I lost a dear friend over Thanksgiving weekend. I’m still trying to process this.

With all of that being said, this quick note is to let everyone know that writing is still in the forefront of what I enjoy doing in my spare time. The holidays have a way of forcing reflection. Whether it be what was lost or what is still here. Somehow, this time of year is just special. If I don’t get something out in the next couple of weeks, I wanted everyone to know I am still here. Settling in in Chicago has been both interesting and fun. I’m in the Logan Square neighborhood which is NNW of the city, but still considered “the city.” Nothing like a completely new way of life to get my mind off many things. I was just saying the other day that sitting still is now a luxury. How quickly I forgot how it feels to have a whole day to do nothing.

my christmas plant in my new apartment

I’m in and out so much I decided to do a Christmas plant instead of a tree!

This post marks a milestone for my blog too. It’s my 50th post. So after the holidays and things settle down a bit, I plan on getting back to writing more. In the future, I will tell you more about Odin. He is such a joy to have around.

So Happy Holidays to all my friends and family. I love you all and thank you for following my journey. It’s far from over and I have so many more adventures, thoughts, and ramblings to share with you so please stay tuned. xxooC

Me and Odin at home just a quick note
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4 responses to “Just A Quick Note”

  1. Mary Slaughter Avatar
    Mary Slaughter

    Merry Christmas Candice and have a wonderful 2023. Gary and Mary ❤️

    Reply
    1. The Blue Widow Avatar
      The Blue Widow

      Thank you!! Same to you two ❤️

      Reply
  2. marianallen Avatar
    marianallen

    I’m sorry for the loss of your friend. I know how shattering that can be. Hope to see you at an Allen gathering one of these days. Love you!

    Reply
  3. Managing The Widow Brain – Blue Widow Chronicles

    […] remind myself what I was doing a year or two years ago. Widow brain and brain fog is a real thing. Settling down to one place for a while has me reminiscing more than I ever have since Eric left. Managing to amass so many […]

    Reply

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About Me and My Grief Journey

My grief journey began in the Summer of 2020. I became a widow overnight. Without warning, my entire life was turned upside down, broken into pieces I didn’t know how to put back together. Writing became my anchor—my way to breathe, process, and heal, even in small, fractured moments.

After losing Eric, I was diagnosed with PTSD, complicated grief, and an anxiety disorder. For a long time, I was paralyzed by my own emotions. I traveled across the U.S. for over two years, mostly alone, learning how to carry myself through the aftermath of sudden loss.

Along the way, I found love again. Greg became an important part of my life, bringing companionship, laughter, and even new challenges. Losing him to suicide has been another unimaginable heartbreak that shapes much of what I write here. Through it all, my emotional support animals —Odin (dog) and Freija (cat)— keep me grounded and remind me there is still love, life, and care to give.

I moved and now reside in Chicago, Illinois. This city, this home, is my space to rebuild, to grieve, and to explore who I am beyond loss.

What you will find here

This blog started as a place to house my writing. Over time, it’s become much more. Here, I reflect on grief, healing, and the messy, beautiful, often difficult journey of life after sudden loss. I write about my day-to-day experiences, the struggles and triumphs with my diagnoses, and anything else that captures my heart and attention.

My journey on podcasts

Many of my articles are available in podcast form on Spotify and Amazon Music. I welcome your comments—I love feedback. Let’s share this journey together, and maybe find adventure along the way.

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