(Note: I “collect” shadows with my camera. The images for today’s post are some favorites from my “collection.”)
Mid-February.
Already.
Yet also . . . just plodding along.
Sigh. This has been A Month, non?
So much to deal with and think about and stress over — and a very wintery-winter, weatherwise, on top of it all.
Yet . . . we go on.
The middle of the month means it’s time for me to offer a R-E-P-O-R-T.
At mid-month I’m . . .
R . . . esting easier.
I want to thank ALL of you for sharing your sleep experiences and advice and recommendations last Thursday . . . when I revealed that I was desperately seeking sleep! Although I wouldn’t say that my sleep is exactly . . . peaceful (yet), it is certainly more restful, and definitely moving along the right track. I’ve tried a combination of strategies, and I’m (finally) able to stop what I call my “parade of thoughts” when I do wake up in the night. Watch for a comprehensive sleep-post later this week. Your comments are so valuable that I’m going to create a permanent “home” for them here on the blog.
E . . . scaping.
I am constantly seeking . . . escape . . . these days. Where am I finding it? Mostly . . . television. Tom and I meet every evening after dinner and we Watch Stuff. Good escapes lately? Somebody, Somewhere (HBO/MAX). The Pitt (also HBO/MAX). Matlock (Peacock and Paramount+ and – I think? – Prime). All the fun Saturday Night Live 50th anniversary stuff – documentaries and specials and interviews; great nostalgia (Peacock). And if you’re looking for a good movie escape, I highly, highly recommend Conclave (rentable on Apple+ or Prime). We’re also looking forward to “escaping” soon to new seasons of C.B. Strike and The White Lotus (both on HBO/MAX).
P . . . ersevering.
Keep calling your representatives, friends. Keep calling. They won’t know your concerns unless you voice them. We need to do little things that add up to big things. (While not getting too swept up in the drama.)
O . . . pening.
As in . . . my suitcase. Y’know, back in August (when the idea first came up) and September (when I committed), a trip to England with a friend in early March for a 3-day art workshop + some sight-seeing sounded . . . fun and light and easy. Things were looking bright and a little hopeful back then. Remember? But now that the trip is a mere . . . two-and-a-half weeks away, it all feels so much heavier. The world is a different place; I’m in a state of mind. But it’s time for me to get ready. So I’m opening my suitcase – and my heart – to some travel.
R . . . enewing.
We are having our entire lower level/basement painted next week. Tom’s office. A little TV den. Our fitness “area.” My sewing room. A bathroom. Stairwell. Ceilings. It’ll be great to have a fresh coat of paint. But there’s a lot of sorting and organizing and “deciding” to be done before the painters arrive. Renewal . . . good for the walls; good for the soul. And it will keep me busy, too!
T . . . aking care.
We may not have any grandchildren, but we do have grandpets . . . and this week, we’re taking good care of one of them: Ferda, Brian and Lauren’s little pup. JoJo is completely out of sorts (but rolling with it pretty well). Ferda stole our hearts long ago, and we love having her with us this week.
And that’s where I am . . . here at mid-month.
How about YOU?
I am so glad that you are finding sleep, Kym! That is the best news! And I am excited for your art workshop overseas! What fun that will be! I love your shadow pictures… what a great reminder of the sunshine! Sweet Ferda looks thoughtful staring out your window… what a cutie she is! (and YES to those of us calling… keep it up! My representative sent a “newsletter” out on Friday with some updates and how was heartened by all the calls and in his words: “Hearing from you about your priorities helps me better represent the people of Western Pennsylvania.”) May all our elected officials find hope in our calls!
Yay for more sleep! And how sweet Ferda looks. The real winner though are your shadow pictures. So beautiful. Hope your Monday is off to a good start!
I’m glad that your sleep is improving! It’s tough to deal with all the daytime stress without a restful night. Lots of things sound good in the abstract but less so when they move towards reality, but I don’t think this trip will be one of those. I bet your excitement will ramp up as soon as you’re on the plane and it will be a wonderful, art-filled venture (plus blog fodder)! I don’t like the idea of using TV as escape, but escape is necessary. I signed up for MAX just so I could watch The Pitt and will now be escaping more with Somebody Somewhere and C.B. Strike. They sound even better than The Great Pottery Throwdown. 🙂
We love Somebody, Somewhere. Man on the Inside is also very good.
I’m so glad to hear you’re sleeping a little better — and I’m looking forward to all the tips! I’m sure the painting will make a huge difference, but I know how difficult it can be to deal with moving things out of the way and having everything out of sorts while it happens. Please give both JoJo and Ferda lots of pets for me!
I am REALLY glad to hear that you are feeling less sleep deprived. I think it left you and came to me, though, because I have slept like utter crap ever since I read your post. hahaha! Dale and I will be watching Conclave this afternoon and I’m looking forward to it. I haven’t really committed to watching all of the BP nominees but do want to see at least a few. We also watched the SNL 50th stuff and have really enjoyed it. Dale didn’t watch it because he was always working with the band but SNL is what got me through all those years of babysitting. I love that Ferda is there with you and I hope Brian and Lauren are doing something great.
Oh, man, I know how you feel… if I hadn’t had some nonrefundable bookings, I’d have canceled our trip to Charleston in a heartbeat. (Turns out, I probably spent twice what I’d have “lost” because of the expense of delays & cancellations… but who knew?) I hope you get yourself GOOD & LOST in that art workshop! And in England!!
Oh what a beautiful dog. Is she deaf (only ask because white dogs often are).
What lovely shadow photos. How fun to have a visiting granddog. I hope the prep for your trip goes smoothly. I often have some anxiety as I prepare to leave and wonder why I ever agreed to such a thing. Once I’m out of the house and on the way, I enjoy myself. I wonder if there is such a thing as “trip remorse?” We’ve finally had some snow and I’ve spent the last two weeks “protecting my peace” and nurturing my soul. In spite of all the awful things in the world, I feel some better and not as full of despair.
So glad you are getting some sleep “relief”. I forgot to mention – in order to keep the troubling thoughts at bay – I make interminable lists – but they only actually put me to sleep once I’ve already gotten sleepy. I think your England art trip is WONDERFUL. Sometimes I think that Travel is the best medicine. I was lucky and got to see Conclave at a movie theatre. It is that kind of movie. The kind they don’t make anymore. But you’ve got to be quick with these things. Only one week. Nevertheless see it anyway. Wonderful acting, dialog, costumes, photography. A treat for the eyes. Love at first sight with Ferda. I’d be happy to take her off your hands for a day or so if I lived in your neighborhood:). The shadow thing is so cool! I don’t think people realize the power of a phone call to their congressman. Or a letter, or email ( if that’s possible). The real enemy of democracy – such a fragile thing – is indifference. At the very least vote on all levels, local as well as national.
I completely lost internet yesterday during my home adventures of late. So, once again, I am late to the party. I am so glad you are sleeping better, Kym. It is the very best drug, without doubt. Your post seems less anxious, and I hope that improved sleep continues to help. Fabulous photos! I hope your trip proves to be a wonderful escape, Kym. Well, Ferda has a new member of her fan club; she is gorgeous! I am about to adopt a sweet, little Boston Terrier for my new best friend. I desperately need something to love and care for, and I think she will fit the bill. I think you could do an entire post asking for suggestions for what to watch to escape these days. Offerings seem a little thin on the ground these days.
I’m guessing that by the end of the week, there will be pup buddies in your house!
Otherwise, between the painting and your travels, it sounds like you’ll be too busy to think about a lot else … not a bad thing, to be honest.
Hi Freda! SNL stuff was fun. Will F. In those shorts in the scared straight clip. I almost died. Glad you’re resting a little better and opening the suitcase. We head to the Everglades and Keys next week for a few days. Have plans for two National Parks…I hope they are still open!
You’re exactly right. Focusing on people near to us and helping neighbors or family near by. Just dropping in for a chat has helped me so much. You have a beautiful world with your shadowy light. The world around us a treasure trove of joy in the making.