Just so ya know - I typed a whole lot of hateful spew here and then deleted it all. Who needs confirmation of his royal HighnASS's offenses dujour? It's getting so I'm afraid to turn on the TV or click on the CNN icon or open my FB page or read my E-MAIL for crying out loud - every single morning I wake up and wonder - what will the offense be today? I'm trying like hell to just ignore it, and yet that feels irresponsible too.
What do you do to divert your attention from things-that-are-driving-you-batshit? Me? I'm taking care of me just a little bit better than I did all winter. (10 extra pounds to prove it... which means I have that damned 20 to lose that I was trying to lose last year. Yeah. That.) Spring has arrived according to the calendar, and in the last few days the temps have begun to rise... as have the crocus!
The dogs and I have been out walking the fields again...
The skies have been so blue....
The horses aren't quite used to the Spring schedule yet.. This is Max's - hey, aren't you supposed to be giving us grain right about now? - look... As the days grow longer, they stay out in pasture longer and aren't given grain till bedtime, meaning when darkness falls and they're closed in for the night.
This morning I took a load of bedding and curtains down to the cottage and oh, if I could send you the joy of salty sea air as warm sunshine hits your face as I experienced it today.. I would, my friends, I would.
While soaking it all in, I spied with my little eye....
Can you see it?.....
... a piece of cobalt blue sea glass - a rare treasure around theses parts. Now, if it weren't such a hard-to-find color, I'd toss it back into the sea for a little more seasoning - but it's edges are soft and it does have enough scruff to make it a keeper because what are the odds I'd find it again?
When I saw that flicker of blue... that little glass treasure, I felt the Universe was sending me a message .... And that reminded me of something else...
Why I let this get away from me still surprises me. There was a moment years ago now.. when I was sitting outside a hospital on a retaining wall, taking a break from my vigil at my daughters bedside. I was looking up at a window on the 4th floor where all I could see were balloons.... the ones suspended above my daughters bed. I was saying to myself..... How are we here, how did this happen.. look at all these people around me, just going about their day... buying food , God, I can't even eat.... and they're LAUGHING... laughing.... while my daughter lies up there with her life hanging in the balance. How do I ever live my life..... And just as important.... IF I ever do get to life my life again, and my daughter is a part of it... please don't let me forget how precious life is, how grateful I need to be, each and every day, for even the little things.
A funny thing happened on our way to "recovery". My daughter, through her own trials, found comfort and wisdom in inspirational quotes. Still does. ..and it's these inspirational quotes that I turn to when I need a reminder. I'll share them here with you -
Till soon, friends -
The Orange Carbuncle makes me crazy too. I gave up cable news 2 weeks ago. Cold turkey. I have to say it's been a revelation. Anxiety way down. And I too added 10 lbs from stress eating. And I don't do politics with friends and family.
ReplyDeleteLove Stella.
I should follow your lead!
DeleteIt's gotten to the point that I will only allow a half hour of national news (NBC) on the TV and NPR in the morning. If my hubby wants to torture himself, he needs to do it via the internet.
ReplyDeleteI am working on decluttering and keeping my hands busy.
I hit a wall with the wieght loss and actually took my Dr's recommendation and changed medications.
The move-in process is fun, isn't it? I am so organized at our cabin because it's so small in relation to our house.
I was thinking today I should be really careful not to clutter the cottage, as you said, in a small space it should be easy to stay organized - that's my goal.
DeleteLet me know how you do with the weight loss - I'm still struggling but part of that is stress eating. And menopause. Bleh.
Oh, to have salt air on my face! It seems like forever. Loved the pics! Loved the blue blue of sky and glass.
ReplyDeleteOH, I think perhaps it's time for you and hubs to get away for just a little? ... everyone needs a little Vitamin Sea.
DeleteThe affirmations you posted are all very true; to live them not so easy sometimes. I try to read each day "the promises from God for women" that I rec'd as a gift. Sometimes I forget, then like yesterday the message was "I'm so glad we're friends", and I feel that for you and some others.
ReplyDelete20 lbs? I can't see that,Karen. Are you sure? It's like Patti - she's finally started eating better, and complaining about it; the weight gain.
The blue glass - you found it for a reason, and I'm so glad. :)
xoxo
OH yes 20. I'm sure. The scale is sure too, it ain't lying. LOL..
DeleteAnd yes indeed, easier said than done - and I forget the message sometimes...
The universe at work in the shape of cobalt blue sea glass... I love it.
ReplyDeleteYour daughter is a miracle and the love in your family is awesome.
I think as this spring begins and the earth awakens and gifts us with flowers, blue skies, warming breezes and a newness of life that a new outlook comes with that. :)
Joan, I do believe that's true -
DeleteI know. I used to never turn the TV on during the day. But now, since the first of the year, I get up and after my yoga stretching, I turn on CNN to see what terrible thing has happened since I turned it off the day before. Seems it's constant.
ReplyDeleteBrenda
... Let's hope it's not as bad as it appears. *sigh
DeleteHey Karen,
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way you do. I hate hearing the news every day but find myself checking all the main sites many times each day. Some of it makes me laugh out loud though.
The piece of blue glass is what my paternal grandmother would call "a little crumb of happiness". It's what I named my blog after that I no longer keep up (but toying with the idea of starting again). So yes, the little crumbs of happiness are the things that keep us going and remind us that while some things are out of our control, we CAN control how we react. And I don't like to take the route of sticking my head in the sand and pretending everything will be ok. It's more important than ever to pay attention to what's happening and speak up and educate where and when we can. Just like we do for the dogs in need. We can do it in a kind and gentle way so as not to offend and add more fuel to the "other side's" fire against us.
Now I need to search for your blog, I hope you'll pick it up again -
DeleteQuotes to live by.
ReplyDeleteLook how furry Max is! My two have started to shed out some. The weather has been up and down though. Today was almost 80!
Oh the shedding has commenced! Bleh.
DeleteHi Karen Ann! Thanks for stopping by my blog, always great to "meet" new bloggers :-) Love all your photos in this post. Being near the water has always brought me peace. I love sea glass and I couldn't agree more about grabbing that gorgeous blue! Enjoy :-) I don't know what challenge your daughter faced health wise but I am thankful to see all is well today. Hope you have a wonderful day!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Jill
I used to have a little tactic I used when I needed to shed a few pounds- I would leave a bite or two left of whatever I was eating. It was a variation of portion control I suppose- but when I'd start to feel full, I'd just stop eating and it became a habitual thing. I was surprised by how quickly I could drop a few pounds and that always motivated me to try harder for the next few pounds. Just find one little thing you can change and I'll bet you'll have success. I so love sea glass and have just a couple pieces myself- but really- I'm just in love with Stella and everything about her- can't wait to see more updates!!
ReplyDeleteI'm gonna give it a go! Thanks friend...
DeleteI absolutely LOVE that you found a piece of Cobalt Blue Sea Glass...definitely a message there! So glad that your daughter is doing well today Karen...and so happy YOU are pleased with Stella!
ReplyDeleteOk, loving all your words this morning. Would love to be fb friends....
ReplyDeletesharon
Karen Ann, I LOVE your blog, and it is encouraging to see a young woman politically enlightened! This ol' woman has been attempting comments to no avail. I hope THIS works!
ReplyDelete