The daffodils on the edge of the woods are blooming. They’re facing east and the back of the property which makes taking a photo tricky. I suppose they like the morning sun, though there’s not much of that today. No rain today, but Saturday and Sunday will be very rainy.
Both of us hit a wall yesterday. We have to take care of our mental health and regulate our reactions to stress. Obviously, most of this is a reaction to the news. But we also have other worries in our lives – everyone does – and all of it combined together is having a very negative impact. We’re not young and we have to protect ourselves. So we had a big talk about it and we’re going to move into a healthier self-protect mode (as well as protecting each other, of course.) I can no longer take everything in. Neither can Don. I know this will be a challenge, but I also know that if there’s some information that we absolutely need to know, it will find its way to us. I’ve been suffering from anxiety once again. I can’t seem to concentrate on anything for more than a few minutes. We have to be better gatekeepers.
Sometimes you have to hit a wall before you say “no more.”
I hope you’re protecting yourselves, too. Do what you have to do to create a safe space. It’s imperative.
Oh, sweet egg cups; you make me smile.
On the left, one of my favorites, a beautifully painted egg cup with two feathered friends. One is eating, the other one is maybe hiding? Or holding up the cup? Made in Japan.
Center: This may be my favorite cup. An artist rabbit in a smock, holding a palette while he paints a face on the egg cup. Japan.
Right: A gift from reader Linda. A fabulous egg cup with a tail (which you can’t see) that is removable. Why? Because it functions as a salter. It has holes and a stopper. So ingenious!
Okay, my friends. I have to make more coffee.
Stay safe.
Happy Friday.
I understand your feelings about the chaos and horror in our country right now. It’s exhausting. Self-care is important as we can’t take care of others if we need care ourselves.
I’m trying to think of little ways I can help out. I’ve made a few small contributions to charities that I feel are important in honor of family birthdays (Special Olympics in honor of my SiL who works with them and Alzheimer’s Organization in honor of my brother who is starting down that path). I’m looking into walking with protestors tomorrow as there are demonstrations around the country. I’m also looking for volunteer work that might help.
These are very small things but it helps me feel as if I am doing something. It’s hard to know what to do these days…
Stay safe, Claudia.
We do what we can. And that’s a good thing.
Stay safe, Ellen.
Yes, the news has been very distressing. I had some eggs in the refrigerator that I wanted to use up, so I did make some cookies yesterday, which was a fun diversion. I do want to cut out more sugar, but I eat them sparingly. I plan to paint some cards today, too…that always keeps my mind focused for a while. Those egg cups are really cute…and the detachable tail sounds so novel. Enjoy the beautiful daffodils! Take care.
Thank you, Barrie.
I did some work outside today and that felt good.
Stay safe.
I completely understand where you and Don are at, Claudia, and I’m glad you are taking those steps to protect yourself. I only let myself read a bit of news in the morning, but even that is completely overwhelming and I’m going to follow your example and do it less often. At one point in my life I would have thought that was sticking my head in the sand, but I don’t think that at all any longer. When we’re in a situation where things are so awful and we feel helpless against it, then it’s like hitting our heads on rocks to keep taking in this disgusting political news. I am in no way “giving up.” I believe in goodness and kindness and know that there are so many good people everywhere. I pray and believe that goodness will rise to the top again. I hope a gentle, sun-filled spring comes soon and that you’re able to spend so much time out in the beautiful nature that surrounds you.
I know what you mean. There’s only so much we can take in. And even a little is too much now. I’m not giving up either.
Stay safe, Jenny.
happy for you to see the grape hyacinths and daffodils blooming!
and more adorable egg cups!
don, your good talks and love together, coffee time, more apple pie, puzzles, books, a favorite tv show …!
may all the sweet things in life more than make up for the sad need for gate-keeping, for you and everyone else. trying to do the same here.
i have a long to-do list to get to. best i do what’s possible today and tomorrow; i want and need sundays to be days off.
be safe.
xo
kathy
Yes. You have to allow yourself a day off, Kathy.
Stay safe.
Yes…the news is just too much! I have days where I just can’t take any more in. I’m having trouble reading again, too. I’m trying to focus on my home and family and even if I try to shut out the news it finds its way in.
I’m trying to think about some things I’m grateful for every day.
Take care
That’s always a good practice, Marilyn.
Today, I’m grateful for the sound of birds singing.
Stay safe.
Claudia, take good care of yourself and Don. I have escaped to Ireland and England to see friends and am trying not to look at headlines or my retirement account. I’m traveling with my daughters and other friends and we’re all making the utmost of our trip. We’ll be back in Stressville soon enough.
Good for you, Wendy.
Stay safe.
Rick and I have been in a similar funk. We’re going to the April 5 protest rally today but overall have to ease up on the news. There have been other worrying things in our lives besides all that too and so some forethought is involved, planning and hoping the plans are unnecessary; some major expenses, and medical so we just have to find the best of strategies. And you’re right — it’s hard. I have started painting again, which is a wonderful escape. And there are always books.
Sending you love and support, Jeanie. Hang in there.
Stay safe.