There are at least 30, if not more, morning glories in bloom this morning. A wonderful way to start the day. Gosh, they are glorious! Aptly named. It’s going to be warmish here today and I plan on sitting outside on the funky patio, where I can get my fill of them.
I am feeling more than a bit of relief today as I had some major dental work done yesterday and I made it through the whole thing without Don by my side. I have what must be bordering on a phobia about the dentist. I get so fearful that it almost incapacitates me. But I knew I had to go as something happened over the weekend that made an appointment a necessity. I called them on Monday. My appointment was yesterday at 3:00. In the meantime, I was in stress mode, trying to calm down, meditating, praying, and finally, trusting. Normally, Don would go with me, but obviously he couldn’t. But that guy was ‘by my side’ via texts and phone calls all day long.
The whole thing was made a bit more stressful when I realized a bridge was closed that I normally crossed to get to the office and I followed the detour, all the while looking at the clock, and got lost. I finally called the receptionist and she guided me there, but I was 15 minutes late.
Fortunately, I have the kindest, most compassionate, and non-judgmental dentist I could ever hope to have and his practice is only 10 minutes away from our house – on a normal day. He was wonderful and I ended up having a few things taken care of and he even made me laugh. Bless him. Then he told me how proud he was of me and that he wished Don had been there to see it. Such a lovely man.
When it was all done, I had to drive to the pharmacy to pick up two prescriptions, find some soft food to eat – I hadn’t been eating much for the past few days – and I was so tired and exhausted that I felt like a wet noodle.
Today, I’m allowing myself to feel proud that I did it without Don there by my side. I’m giving myself a pat on the back. I’m okay. Tired, but okay. Today is for taking it easy.
In the midst of the waiting yesterday, I hung this:
We decided we didn’t like the look of it above Stella – the yellow doesn’t mix well with the yellow we have on the walls. So it’s been sitting on a table until yesterday, when I decided I needed to make a decision. I like it here. I’m not sure what I’m going to put there, if anything, but I like that cheery yellow and red display piece hanging above my desk.
I had to move the calendar to the left, which necessitated another ‘hanging’ decision.
Early morning, darkish picture, but I brought the other Maxfield Parrish, “Pierrot’s Serenade” downstairs and hung it under “Dinky Bird.” They should be together, don’t you think?
So I did accomplish something other than forcing myself to go to the dentist yesterday.
Now, with the dentist stress over with, I feel like I can allow myself to get excited about my upcoming trip to New Orleans. And about 10 days after that, my trip to Chicago. More road trip adventures ahead.
Happy Thursday.
you did it!!! congratulations on facing a fear and doing something hard.
hope you found something good to eat. know you found something cool with that scotch tape display basket. it looks great. and i like the mp prints together, too.
enjoy your day and planning for new orleans!
kathy in iowa
I will, Kathy. I might even visit my local antique shop!
Yes…congrats on yesterday’s dental accomplishment. I can sympathize…I have similar fears. Rest up…you certainly deserve it. I like the basket above your desk…certainly an eye catcher. Though I wouldn’t think you’d be able to put anything too heavy on it…it looks wonderful just by itself. Enjoy your day! ;)
No, nothing too heavy, but maybe some dried flowers or something for the desk – not sure.
The Parrish prints are perfect together, in that corner. I share your Dentist phobia, so congratulations on getting through your procedure alone!
We made it to the shack and just got the internet hooked up! Yay! Now resting up before starting on the Big Cleanup—which will only consist of unpacking, then pulling weeds and raking up tons of small branches and palm fronds blown out of the trees by Irma. I much prefer looking at your cozy cottage than mine. Hope your week goes well. Thanks for the much needed relief from the tasks that are calling to me. (Big wind and lots of rain blowing here, right now.)
Glad you got there safely! It must be difficult to compartmentalize the two houses. Sad to leave one behind but excited to get to the other?
Yes, it was especially sad this year because of the beautiful warm fall NY weather was some of the best we’d had all season. Down here we have steamy temps with blowing rain! (But the cable guy raved on and on about my pretty yellow appliances that “look old, but are brand new!” I think we’ll still be very happy down here at the shack!
Pictures of your appliances please – on Instagram!
Done! The light today was severely lacking, though. But they are pretty, even in the dark, IMHO.
Love them!
I think a dentist phobia is very common. I am so fearful myself but have a great Dentist and staff and they are so so good. Last crown I had was an ordeal but they just took really good care of me. I’m so proud of you, I know how hard it is. So rest and have a fun day! So much exciting travel coming soon! Oh and I love that Roseville Pottery group on FB!! Hugs!
That’s what Don says. He says dentists deal with fearful patients all the time.
I should have thought to tell you about the Roseville Pottery Group! Glad you found it!
I’m proud of you, too, Claudia, for getting through what sounds like major-ish dental procedures. Even though you were stressed, I’m glad you recognized that you needed to go and get it done. I had a dentist with a bad attitude towards patients when I was a child. My mouth would be in pain even after a routine cleaning! I’d ask my parents to change dentists and they’d tell me to buck up. I avoided the dentist for a long time as an adult, then began going to my husband’s dentist, the kindest, gentlest, most compassionate dentist. He got me over the horrible dentist and dental hygienist I had as a child. Unfortunately, he died very young from a genetic heart condition. A co-worker recommended her dentist, and I’ve been with him for over 35 years now. He is not only a very competent dentist, he is also a hilarious story-teller, so the minutes tick by quickly and I don’t notice the stuff happening in my mouth. He also knows me well, so sometimes he’ll suggest that I opt out of the shot because the drilling won’t take long and he knows I could take it….better than a numb mouth all afternoon. If I’m uncomfortable, he’ll stop and give me the shot. (I think it’s funny that after my brothers and I got to college and found new dentists, my Mom also left that man’s practice and found a dentist she preferred, then my Dad did too. I think he felt obligated to stay with that dentist, with whom he had seen since he was a young man.)
Happy trails, Claudia. Fun trips ahead!
It helps so much when we find a compassionate dentist, especially one with a sense of humor!
Hi Claudia, well done for facing the dreaded dentist. Thank you for the kind words about my brother, but to be honest I’m not feeling any thing much. He was 16 when I was born, and was always my friend and protector. When I was in my early teens and came home ‘slightly’ tipsy, he would cover for me. Later I would cover( (very reluctantly, as I loved my SIL) when he had multiple affairs. When his second wife died (very suddenly) from a brain aneurism, he turned to me and my husband and started turning up at our door every Tuesday, and would leave on Saturday, and would return the next Tuesday. He always brought at least 2 bottles of scotch with him and would consume it very quickly. This went on for about3 years, and finally we had to say, enough is enough’ I felt terrible about doing it, but he had a wonderful apartment over looking
the Sea, and a stepson who would so anything for him. So eventually we managed to cut down the lengths of his stay, and then to stop them. We lived in a very small village, and we had a lot of bridges to rebuild. Terry used to come to the weekly quiz night at the village hall, and being deaf, his opinions were well broadcast. He went from being my lovely protective and fun brother into a racist, sexist monster. Believe me, if he’d been able to he would have voted for Trump. So how do I mourn? The young, fun kind and gentle brother, or an old man who mentally repulsed me? I don’t know how to feel
I understand. I think, when you can, you mourn the young version of your brother, because it seems as if that’s who he really was before things changed.
I have an estranged sister who is not at all like she was. I mourn for the little sister I grew up with, but she has disappeared, though I choose to believe the girl I once knew is still there. I’ll love her always, that doesn’t change, but the fact is that given her current belief system and behavior, I wouldn’t hang out with her. It’s hard, I know.
PS he was also fanatically homophobic. I don’t understand what happened to make him into this man I could not connect with. Sorry to load this onto you, but my family don’t know about this other side of him. We only found out when he spent so much time with us in a tiny cottage. I wish I’d had the courage to say something, but he was my big brother who had always looked after me, and somehow I suppose I didn’t really want to believe this was the same man.
Yes, how do we handle it when someone we thought we knew has become someone we don’t want to know? Blessings to you, Lesley, as you find your way through this. It isn’t easy but that brother you knew long ago is still there.
I went through something a little similar when my mother got older and sicker; she had incurable physical disease which robbed her of her very active former, independent self…and this was the last 25 years of her life before death, so it was a lot of life that was very difficult. One thing after another kept getting taken away from her…her ability to garden, cook, drive, travel, crochet, write, paint, read, walk, see. How could she not be unhappy, and so frustrated to have to be so dependent on others to get her through her day? She didn’t live large but instead thrived on her smaller but full life of home and family. In an increasingly-deteriorating condition, though, from the age of 63 after suddenly falling ill after all that life of good health, she could get selfish and ungrateful. Would lash out. I think, most of all, she was just so disappointed, for herself and everybody else around her; none of us want life to end up like that. Anyway, I knew this was not the mom I’d known and loved, but it was incredibly troubling because I was in the thick of things with her every single day of my life when she had all these health issues, eventually becoming her full-time caregiver for a time after she lost her main caregiver, who was my dad. A social worker happened to see some of this behavior from her and sat me down, saying: “Don’t let this version of your mother be your last memories of her. It’s okay and acceptable and in fact beneficial to instead remember who she once was, when you were happiest together, and let those be the memories you cling to and cherish.” I was glad for that advice. Even now, all I can see is Mom’s beautiful, ready smile. Her gorgeous, lustrous head of chocolate-brown hair, her brown eyes deep as the deepest pools; the rich singing voice that filled our young ears each Christmas with every favorite carol. It’s a wealth of memories and, yes, they are a treasure.
Three weeks ago, I had a first cousin die, in his late-70s. In my view, he was one of the most awful men I’d ever known. Back in the day (it was a long, long time ago; years and years), I witnessed him beating one of his children when I was a young and impressionable child myself to never forget it. I remember my mother sobbing at what the young adult had become because she remembered him when he was the cutest, sweetest little boy who was her nephew. There were other bad things but I’ll leave it at that. His wife was just as bad if not worse. They were both drug addicts for over 40 years. He was the world’s worst parent and the world’s worst son who mooched on his Alzheimer’s-ridden father, who was my uncle (I’ve seen this sort of thing all too often happen; it was going on next door to me with a neighbor, too; the vulnerability of some of our very-old and very-sick population is appalling; it’s insidious elder abuse). I understand from his sister that my bad cousin’s death was very protracted in the ending years when he was finally sober; he’d been physically ill and in misery ever since, like for the past 15 years… and I say, well, you reap what you sow. It is so difficult for his sister because they grew up together; were best little buds to one another, with parents who had a messy divorce, so that’s not ever good for a child. She was oldest and has gone on to live a stellar life; but her brother went the other way. So, how can they relate, as adults? For the sister, it was an adult-long life of feeling uneasy and conflicted about him, how to intervene when he moved in with their altered father, how to get him out of the house when the father had died and the house had to be sold; too many things, so many worries for her. It was a nightmare, now ended, but it’s bittersweet and sad. So many regrets of how blessed and wonderful it could have been, if her brother had just lived the right way and chosen a better path.
It’s really important to have a lot of things to look forward to; it’ll keep you uplifted. Fun ahead!
I am in many ways lucky that I have fewer dental problems in terms of cavities than a lot of people but I have indeed had my share of crowns/root canals. It changed forever how I feel about the dentist, which was a breeze when I was younger and now, at this age, I’ll actually change appointments not to go, until I just can’t wait any longer. I completely understand your phobia. What I do have is excellent dental insurance and I absolutely cringe when I hear of people who don’t…having to come up with large sums of money for their care; staggering (like $6000, $8000; I remember when Mom’s caregivers were suffering with that kind of expense and I knew they just could not afford it at all – – my elderly neighbor told me she is facing $20,000 in dental expense and I can’t even imagine what it could possibly be for that amount of dough).
Feel better today! I can never go to my oncologist appointments without my husband. He sometimes has to move mountains to get the time off work to accompany me. It’s so many things…the second pair of ears, the good luck charm; the rock of strength.
I’d imagine a bill like that is for dentures or implants. But what do I know? The point is really – how can anyone afford that? It’s ridiculous!
Yeah, I didn’t want to pry but I know she’s on a fixed income; I hope she doesn’t have to hock her house! She has three adult sons; maybe they’re helping although I never see them much in the picture (she’s fairly lonely). It makes you realize that of course a lot of people out there, young and old, are going without dental care, eye care, etc. (including medicines they need). Shouldn’t be happening in an enlightened age; this is the 21st century and we can’t STILL get it right here in the U.S.
I would hope that someday we can – it won’t be while the Republicans are in control of the Congress, though!
I am so proud of you. I am ridiculously terrified of visiting the dentist, because of a childhood dental trauma (the year I had my braces removed I had 33 small cavities, which my dentist filled in two sittings–something every dentist since then has told me was cruel at the very least.) . Because of that, I have a very difficult time making myself visit the dentist, and am always fabulously proud of myself when it is over and done with.
As I was born in New Orleans, I am quite proud of my city, and even though I have not lived there in decades, I make sure I visit at least 3 times a year (to eat). I am so thrilled to think of you and Don exploring there. I have a list of restaurants that you should not miss, if you find yourself in need of suggestions. (Also a fabulous small air bnb off of Magazine St. that I book every time in case you all don’t have an apartment.) Anyway, happy to think of you making your way down there. My son and I have catalogued all of our favorite Nola places and experiences and only a handful of them have anything to do with the Quarter. My great disappointment is when people come back from a trip and complain about how dirty it is and I ask where they were and they say, “Oh, Bourbon St.” and I have to tell them that no local ever walks on that street unless they have a reservation at Galatoire’s. It’s like people who judge NYC on their experience with Times Square.
Anyway, congrats on bearding the dental lion in its den!
Peace and peace,
Leslie P.
I vowed to my dentist to be a better patient – better at keeping up with checkups, etc. Fingers crossed.
We’re staying right next to the French Quarter in a hotel because it’s near the theater. But I certainly plan to explore beyond that area. Any restaurant recommendations would be very welcome, Leslie!
Sent you a list by email—it was too long!
Thank you, Leslie! xo
Hey, I want that list, too!!!! That’s the kind of list that really means something!
When my mother was in her late teens (c. 1940), a dentist actually (barbarically) pulled out one of her imbedded wisdom teeth right there in the office. She was lucky she didn’t bleed to death. At any time thereafter, she was understandably fearful of the dentist til the day she died. My gosh, I only had wisdom teeth pulled when I was under anesthesia!
Unbelievable!
Well, one thing as learned from your post today, Claudia…none of us like to go to the dentist! When you go, we’re feel’in it, too! Right there with ya!
Claudia, I am so much like you when it comes to going to the dentist. I love my dentist, but fear getting things done. It’s as if I am planking in the chair…I am stiff as a board. When I get home , I am exhausted from the stress. So yes, you did very well. I love your paintings. Blessings, xoxo, Susie
I get stiff too, or my legs begin to tremble. That happened yesterday! I am wiped out today. Exhausting!
Thanks, Susie!
I hate dentists too. I always feel like I am drowning. I found a real good woman dentist that understood but she retired a year or so ago. Glad you have someone nice. I always love the pictures of your house, even if they are ‘dark’ in your eyes. I am a person who would love to have a house like yours or two or three just so I can arrange the furniture. You are very lucky with Don, he is one in a million.
There is not a day that goes by where I fail to say thank you for my husband’s presence in my life. I am very lucky. But I waited a long, long time to find him – I didn’t meet him until I was 41. He was worth the wait.
That’s so beautiful, Claudia. What a way to live!
xo
I understand about dentist phobia. I have it too! In my experience, the anxiety and fear preceding the appointment is much worse than anything that happens at the appointment. Congratulations on overcoming your anxiety; you are a brave girl!
You’re absolutely right! The anxiety beforehand is much worse because it’s fear and projection, isn’t it? Thank you, Carolyn Marie!
Oh Claudia…you have a “Dinky Bird”!! I LOVE this picture. My late mother-in-law gifted me her framed picture years ago ( I think she got tired of me hinting around how much I adored it–lol). I have never seen it anywhere else and was so pleased to see you have one :).
I really love that Parrish – so lovely that you have it as well, with a family connection to boot!
Okay, I couldn’t understand what this meant; then found this:
The Dinkey-Bird, c. 1904
Oil on paper and paperboard
Maxfield Parrish, American
Maxfield Parrish (1870–1966) was one of the most successful and original American painters and illustrators of the early twentieth century, a period that has since become known as the “Golden Age of Illustration.” For sixty-five years Parrish worked in widely varied fields—book and magazine illustration, posters and advertisements, painting, and murals—rendering the realm of the imagination with sharp-focus realism. Edward Bok (1863–1930) commissioned Parrish to illustrate poems by Eugene Field (1850–95) in Bok’s Ladies Home Journal. They then appeared in Poems of Childhood (New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1904). Shortly thereafter, The Dinkey Bird was bought by multimillionaire Henry Russell Sage (1816–1906). It was stored away and forgotten for decades until a Sage grandchild discovered it.
I learn more new things here at MHC. Claudia, if you’d told us the background of this particular Parrish, I’d forgotten. Fascinating stuff!
Yes, I did, but it was over a year ago! I’ve spoken about Parrish and his work a lot – especially the two pieces I own.
They’re fantastic! I love all your collections of terrific things.
My mother had an absolute fear of dentists, she never explained why (was a taboo subject). Luckily, she made appointments for us kids when we were young, but would never set foot in the office. She would give us a check to pay and wait in the car. She couldn’t even go in the building. The sad thing is, her teeth were bad and she never smiled because of it. Finally, when I was an adult, I convinced her to go my dentist to have her remaining teeth pulled and be fitted for dentures. It was a tedious process but so worth it, and for the first time I could ever remember, she smiled without covering up her mouth. She has since passed, but I’m so happy I have pictures of her smiling.
Poor woman – I bet something traumatic happened to her. But how lovely that she could finally smile, Jen!
I had a fear of dentists since I was a little girl…this man decided to clamp my mouth open because I was having trouble doing it because of pain….he clamped it too tight and as a result my gums were swollen and very painful for weeks!.he also spoke nasty to me..Needless to say the fear stayed with me through adulthood which is probably why I now wear dentures…Good luck to everyone who has this fear…it’s a tough one to have!…Now Claudia…it’s time to get ready to go out there and have some fun!
So many nightmare dentist stories!
I’m ready to have some fun, Nancy!
Good for you for getting the dentistry over.. I have a broken molar that I can’t force myself to deal with as it doesn’t hurt.. they want to do a crown. EEK. I love the list wire display.. it’s cute all by itself. I absolutely *love* New Orleans. Have you been before? You have to have cafe au lait and hot beignets at Cafe du Monde.. and do have dinner at The Court of 2 Sisters. Where are you staying? Have fun there. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
We’re staying at the Doubletree right on the edge of the French Quarter – near to the theater, I guess. Thanks, Teresa!
Hope you are feeling better. Going to the dentist is nerve wracking. Take it easy and just be glad it is over.
Marilyn
I am! Thanks, Marilyn!
I used to have a terrible phobia about the dentist, but I have gotten much better about it recently. I think having relief from the pain really helps. How wonderful that you have those trips to look forward to. xo Laura
Yes, I felt that I needed to go and deal with things because I was sick of the pain and tired of worrying!
Thank you, Laura!