• A base coat of white for the rehab project.
Today, I’m going to open up the kit that Barbara sent me. I need to find those pieces, like the door, that are missing. I also need to fill in some holes. Those slots you see on the left and right are for the porch, but my vision doesn’t include a porch, so they need to be filled.
And all these rooms need a base coat of white, as well. Not the floors, but the walls and ceilings. I’m going to go with a different color for the shingles and I’m trying to remember if I did a base coat of white for the shingles on Hummingbird Cottage. I’m betting I did. Once I’ve done all that painting, I’ll start in on the exterior stones.
I’m starting to make lists, which is a good sign that I’m finally engaged with this project.
Why is it that I am suddenly into this project when I have lots of work to do outdoors? Couldn’t I have ‘scheduled’ this for the winter months?
Oh, Claudia, your ways are mysterious.
• It’s sunny today. The temp went down to 25 last night. So it’s still cold. By next week, the nighttime temps should be in the forties and I will no longer have to shuttle the Boston fern back and forth between the porch and the living room. The only thing I’ve done outside is to move two chairs back to the funky patio. The Adirondack chairs and the wire shelves are still at the storage space. In the meantime, I can start raking some of the Item 4 back onto the driveway; a tedious job, but it must be done.
• We watched a beautiful movie last night. It’s on Netflix. It’s Our Souls at Night, starring Jane Fonda and Robert Redford. Don watched it last year when he was staying in the city and kept urging me to watch it. We finally did. It’s simply lovely – a story about loneliness, being of a ‘certain age,’ and finding love when you least expect it. Such fine actors. This is the fourth movie Fonda and Redford have done together and you can tell they like each other, that they’re comfortable with each other. If you haven’t seen it, do watch.
We find ourselves craving simple, quiet films that concentrate on characters, that explore the everyday. This one is like that. So is Paterson.
• Don and I have been talking a lot about quality of life, of what we want this time in our life to be. Much is this is generated by the constant assault of this administration, the 24-hour news cycle, and the challenge of what we should let into our lives and what we should shut the door on. Just as we wouldn’t let just anyone into our house, I think we have to do the same thing with our consciousness. We’re trying to find the balance between taking action when needed and the peaceful, quiet life we want to lead here in the cottage. Though I don’t do organized religion, so to speak, I do believe in a Higher Power, God, Divine Intelligence, whatever name you might use. I’m very spiritual. I try to live a life that is not based on my ego, but oh, do I miss the mark – and frequently. I have so much to learn. Don is on his own spiritual journey.
All this is to say that we want to live a peaceful, loving, and joyful life as we move forward. We’d like to travel more. We want our cottage to be a haven, not a place where we are constantly expressing anger or outrage or feeling anything akin to hatred – all of which I have felt during the past two years. I no longer want to give someone else power over me. And that’s entirely my choice. It’s my responsibility. And that goes for the small annoyances and interactions, as well, even tiresome comments on this blog. They’re extremely rare, thank goodness, but I just need to let them go.
I’m rambling here, but it’s been on our minds a lot lately. How do we do what is right, what we believe is morally right, and come from a place of love, while still acknowledging the cruelty or reprehensible nature of the action? How do we protect our lives here at the cottage? How do we move forward in peace? I don’t want this portion of my life to be fraught with anxiety. Neither does Don. Changing that seems daunting at times.
It’s an ongoing process, but a necessary one.
Happy Tuesday.
Your comments are so interesting, Claudia! It is the same conversation I had with my Dr. yesterday at my annual BP check-in. I had lost weight, and told her I am on a quest to change some things in my life such as the amount of carbs & sweets I seem to inhale, and a news “diet” of sorts. She said I would not believe the amount of her patients who have the same problem with the news and health issues. It really is tragic what is going on in so very many ways. But, it appears “they” keep winning , so I must act accordingly and fast during this mess. Peace is all we ask for. It shouldn’t be that much of a problem, should it? Don’t all people have a need for peace?
Yes, all people have a need for peace. And we have a right to a real President. Hopefully, sooner rather than later. In the meantime, we need to find our own peace and protect it. xo
I am in great harmony with the thoughts you describe as part of your looking ahead conversations. I want the best quality, the best time. We never, ever know what lies ahead and our worlds can change in a heartbeat. I don’t want to take the chance that something like this happens and I spent the days before in a state of stress or anger or frustration (although there’s a thin line between head in the sand and awareness.)
Like you, I’ve avoided anything outside of late and have concentrated on the inside (and not so much the sorely needed spring clean and purge). For me it’s needle felting and watercolors and trying to do a little bit of art and a little bit of reading every day to balance the stress of caregiving and other elements of life as we know it. I find great comfort in finishing my blog posts on England (and great sadness, too — reviewing that trip these few months later brought a lot of joy during some challenging times!).
I love seeing the dollhouse and will eagerly await updates. Till then, enjoy and savor!
I often turn to my photos from London and Paris for comfort, Jeanie. I understand! Thanks, Jeanie.
I loved what you wrote about your spirituality. I feel very much the same. I was raised by two devout Catholics & attended parochial schools right through college, yet I haven’t been a “practicing” Catholic for decades now. I guess you could say I’m very anti-organized religion. It seems to me, in the long history of this planet, that organized religion has been the cause of much of human misery. I think we need to be spiritual, but we don’t need a boatload of man-made rules to do it. And I don’t believe God, or the Universe, or whatever’s out there, has decreed that there be a lot of rules either. I better stop here, or there’s no telling where I’ll end up [grin]. PS – “Our Souls at Night” was one of the first movies I ever watched when I finally broke down & signed up for Netflix. I loved it too! Both stars have been on my “Let’s Have Lunch” list for YEARS [which is the ultimate compliment I can bestow on the famous – LOL]. I think they’d be FASCINATING to talk to [I could especially listen to Jane all day on just about any topic – she’s so smart, so interesting & so open to new ideas]. Looking forward to more dollhousing! Peace.
#Resist
#ReleaseTheMuellerReport
Most of the history of war can be traced right back to organized religion. It’s mind boggling.
I’m with you on that!
I love Jane and I’m going to reserve her autobiography at the library this week. She’s so smart and honest and wise.
Thank you for your thought provoking blog today. So true permitting anger in our
homes because of Trump and his corrupt party. I had to retreat last week from
MSNBC and Twitter and read a few books instead. I so appreciate your political and life comments Claudia.
Books, movies, music, walking, gardening…whatever helps you find peace, Lea.
We both loved Our Souls at Night.♥
Such a wonderful movie. Worth a second watch, I think!
The dollhouse is taking shape! I made a pilgrimage last Friday after work to the Michaels in the next town – alas, no Jadeite dishes to be had. I think you may have sparked a trend.
Our home is our haven too, although the way we try to live a courteous life sometimes reminds me of the two cartoon gophers from years ago (“after you”, “no, no, after you, I insist”).
I am not a religious sort, but I did have an epiphany of sorts 12 years ago in the midst of a heart attack (brought on by stress), Now I try to slow down and notice the little things everyday.
Okay, last disjointed thought/comment – has the resident of this new cottage ever been to Paris and maybe brought one or two things back with her?
Oh, sorry about the Jadeite! If I see some, I’ll grab them, but my local Michaels – I just checked the other day – didn’t have any.
Noticing the little things is key. Stay in the moment.
She has been to Paris, but I don’t know if she brought anything back with her!
Maybe you just haven’t seen them yet..
xo
thank you for a post rich in visual ideas and mindful needs.
I have finally got my malignant hypertension to normal (with meds. and it has taken years!)
and I am now like a dog with a bone in protecting it! I simply can’t afford other more lethal for me
ways to live life. I’m so lucky not to have had a major stroke by now! and spirituality is very important. like you I am tired of the mess that man made rules have been and still are provoking.
Letting Go is the key for me. and I love the comparison to allowing into our homes through the media what we never would otherwise! it’s true! for me anyway.
Thank you, Tammy. Our peace of mind is paramount, I think. Good for you for protecting yourself!
Great post today. I’m with you and Don on your quest to live joyfully and peacefully. I’ve spent the last two years obsessively watching MSNBC and fuming about the DC scandals. No more. My brother texted the other night to ask if I was watching the Corey Booker town hall on CNN and I replied, “I’m not ready to think about that stuff right now.” Recently, I decided to either not turn the TV on at all or, if I do, to watch old classic movies, documentaries, and PBS. My husband works long hours in a stressful job and doesn’t get home until after 6:30. The last thing I want is to add to his stress by ranting about the latest stuff I heard about Trump. Since Opening Day, I now have the ball game on when he gets home. Makes us relax and think about warm summer nights and lazing around on the patio watching the fireflies. I’ve always been fascinated by your dollhouse rehabbing. I vote for HGTV to feature you in your own series: “REALLY Tiny House Living.”
Baseball is the perfect way to relax, Kay. Good for you. We need to do everything we can to find peace right now. Don and I watch old movies nearly every night, just for that reason!
I always look forward to your blog, however, today not so much. I did enjoy most of it but for the review of Hanoi Jane’s movie. I will not now or ever watch anything she is in. She should have been tried for treason. I am a Vietnam era person. A dear friend died there and many of the guys I grew up with served there and died years later from agent orange and suffered from PTSD. Sorry but whenever she is mentioned it brings my blood pressure to the boiling point. I will continue to look forward to all your future blogs and hope I did not offend you just not any with her in it.
I believe you’ve mentioned this before. You are certainly entitled to your opinion and I respect your right to air it.
Keep in mind that most of us here are in the same age group and also lost friends in Vietnam. My brother lost a good friend in that war. My cousin was a helicopter pilot in Vietnam. We worried about him daily, never sure if he would survive. Thankfully, he did. I had a friend who was drafted into the Marines, served in Vietnam, and after he came back, was never the same.
I won’t get into debating about it – there’s no sense in that at this point so many years later – except to say that I’ve heard her speak with regret about the way she handled that photo op that was splashed all over the papers. The optics were not good. She speaks about that honestly and openly. She doesn’t regret protesting about that war, nor should she. I don’t regret protesting, either. And I did. My protests were not about the soldiers, who I supported, but about the lies that kept us in that war far, far longer than we should have been and which resulted in hundreds of thousands of needless deaths and in those who survived often coming home suffering from terrible injuries and PTSD. Those of us protesting were trying to get those soldiers back home.
You didn’t offend me, I promise. I know that there are those who still feel this way, decades later. But Jane Fonda didn’t get us into that war. And she didn’t keep us there. She didn’t have that power. Our government did that. They kept lying about the progress of the war in order to ‘save face.’ That is now well documented. And the collateral damage was the unnecessary loss of lives – American, Vietnamese and Cambodian.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Barbara.
I like Jane Fonda. I think she’s an extraordinary actress. So I will be mentioning her from time to time because my career is in the arts, as is my husband’s. We are actors who admire her work. I’d suggest that if you see her name, just stop reading. I won’t be upset and I’ll certainly understand.
Thanks for reading the blog. I really appreciate that.
xoxo
I love what you wrote today.
Thank you, Eve.
I too am trying to find happiness and contentment in the simple things. We love my books, magazines, music,we watched several DVDS of the Irish Tenors recently. We are now listening to the CD Steve Lawrence put together after the passing of Eydie Gorme. We have all of our records from our younger days, too. Naturally we like to watch old movies and some old TV shows plus a few programs on PBS. It does not take much to make my sisters and me happy and contented. Peace to you and Don.
Marilyn
I used to love listening to Steve and Eydie! Thanks, Marilyn!
Very eloquent post.
I hear you.
I know of people who tell me they never think about their life; but I think about mine all the time. Assessing; reassessing; changing up goals, trying to reconcile some of my past; a host of things. I wish I could just get it right, so that I didn’t HAVE to think about it so much.
I wonder that we don’t just get to a certain age and, not to be too morbid (but), we want the best for the time which is left to us. We think we’re gonna live forever, which is like a carryover from youth and then you realize, hmmm, realistically-speaking, how much time really is left? (Hard to wrap your brain around it; the idea that we are ‘finite’ and, some of us at that certain age, not in the lower end of the lifespan anymore – – it looks different at age 60 or 70 than it does at age 25 or 35.) And how best to use that remaining time (what’s left to do in the bucket)?
Having suffered some poor health, this can really hit home with a person, perhaps more than someone who’s enjoyed better health but, still, you can’t be a ‘senior’ and not feel how fast the days are flying. A hundred years ago out on a prairie, a woman my age might have sat rocking on her porch with a kitchen bowl on her lap, snapping beans from the garden, watching the corn stalks sway in a breeze (I read that in a book once; can’t remember its title), any news of the world coming slow and late (and likely censored/edited, in a small-town newspaper). Today, we are assaulted 24/7, in real time, ‘live’ and with images, of every kind of horrible story in the world, the focus being on ‘awful-scary-terrible’ and all too rarely on something uplifting. You pull up the home page on the computer and it’s warning after warning of what you’re eating wrong, what you’re doing wrong. It just leaves a person feeling so on edge and everything what they say about stress is true; it’s a killer; it affects your body and mind so adversely.
So, how to combat all this negativity? Balance; and I’m always striving for it although I fail too much. Eat properly, exercise as you can, notice the changing seasons with the air and changing light, the wildlife and other growing things; pray-meditate-practice mindfulness; get out of your head and do some little thing for somebody else; get enough sleep even if it means a short daytime nap (just put your feet up and take a load off for 20 minutes); try to uncomplicate ‘life’. Have people, places and things (including hobbies; learning something new and beneficial) within do-able reach that bring you joy and comfort, inspiration and love. I personally allow myself to get too caught up in ‘worry’, so that’s something I really have to work on and that, of course, comes down to faith.
I was deeply affected last week by a video of a woman I once knew pretty well; age 81 (she, at one point when I was a teen, was an adult mentor for me; pretty-big age diff but she was a feminist-homekeeper-wife & mom; hip and beautiful and intelligent; going back to school the hard way as an older student, got her PhD). Some months back, her church put her on camera about three weeks before she died, after she’d made her own decision to discontinue further medical treatment and instead become a Hospice patient. Her body had failed her but she was so sharp, so bright, so articulate, bluest eyes, flawless skin; she looked so lovely. What really struck me as she soon faced the end of her life was how at peace she was, with herself, her God, her life and family; her choices – – she simply glowed; was radiant; luminous. She couldn’t even feed herself any longer and needed help with everything, but there was no self-pity; no regrets; only serenity. She expressed enormous gratitude for the life she’d been given. When I go, I hope it can be that way, for me. I really do think we need to practice gratitude every day (that’s a ‘positive’ and a ‘feel good’, for sure). My noble, unselfish, humble and dear father (a really good man) was a big believer in gratitude; I don’t want to let him down.
Gratitude and grace. I think both are good things for which we can strive to achieve.
Very well said. I agree with everything, Vicki. I’m always trying for an ever-stronger faith. It’s a challenge. I have my doubts, as every human has. But I really want to live a spiritually-fed life. That’s my aim.
Thanks so much. xo
I’m glad to be here as you share your journey. We can all help each other so much.
Feeling the love, xo back atcha
By the way, I have the book on my table (in a stack yet to read), “Our Souls at Night” by Kent Haruf; he’s written several books with a Colorado setting. I didn’t know of a movie based on this novel. (I will watch anything with Robert Redford; I’m a huge fan of his work. And I’m so happy that some of our terrific actors out there are still getting good roles despite their age; they have much to contribute!) I am always so glad for your great tips on movies and books; and everything!
PS: Discussions about religion/belief/faith; I think we’re all trying to figure it out, throughout our lives. In the past four months, I’ve tried to educate myself on the subject of gratitude and grace. We’re human, so we do backslide, which means it’s the daily reminder. From all the learned scholars out there, it (to me) points to living sensibly, like having some self-control over emotions and behaviors. Like, I can tend to be too obsessive and impulsive. So, be different; and have some refinement! Also, it’s valuable to make sure we’re living lives of integrity, with the best standards of contact (again, to me [speaking to myself], that’s The Ten Commandments; they’ve held up for a long, long time; Golden Rule, too). Then, prayer, from your heart. And not just living with simplicity, but with love. And, very importantly, forgiveness.
I meant ‘standards of conduct’, not ‘contact’; I’m having some annoying problems with the computer (grrrr…’auto correct’…et al).
An aside: There was a movie I watched recently that has continued to be on my mind. Not the best film I’ve ever seen and some reviewers hated it. But it’s another version of “The Aspern Papers” based on the Henry James novella. I felt the male lead was very miscast (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) yet the performances by actresses Vanessa Redgrave and her daughter, Joely Richardson, were really fine. (Apparently, I think so anyway, the Redgrave family of actors has its own legacy with both film and stage when it comes to this book. And there’s some interesting background on how the author came up with subject for his novella [what was truth, what was not; a tie-in to the poet, Percy Bysshe Shelley]; I’m new to all this but I’m sure you’re not, Claudia!) I’m no expert, I just know what I like – – and this movie seemed somewhat uneven and slightly unsavory at times – – but I just LOVED the Venice setting (and 19th-century furnishings, costumes, palazzos).
It’s been decades since I’ve ever traveled much of anywhere (when I was a much younger woman), and sometimes I wonder if it was even ‘me’ (!!) since it’s been such a long time ago, but I do have my memories of Venice and seeing those sumptuous palaces on the Canal, with their floor-to-ceiling windows high above the water line, heavy velvet drapes from another time; beautiful chandeliers lit up brightly and glittery after sunset, such that when I see a movie like this, it’s fun to remember (I could have spent a year in Venice and it wouldn’t have been enough; I know you’re currently feeling that way about Paris). Mostly, though, I was intrigued with this Henry James story; I hadn’t been aware of it. I was an English major, so how? But I’d missed this one. A new discovery; every time something like this happens and I learn some new tidbit, I’m hoping I’m still growing (a little)!
I know of the story, but I’ve never read it. New discoveries are what keeps me going! Don, too.
Forgiveness is a tough one, but I’ve had to work through that in recent years. Forgiveness for my dad, forgiveness for my estranged sister. If I can’t forgive, then I might as well be carrying a bomb in my hands. It all comes back at me.
Excellent way to describe what happens (a bomb in your hands) when you can’t forgive. I agree; it is HARD.
But you know how I mentioned recently I’d watched that movie (it’s also a book), “The Light Between Oceans” (a lightkeeper’s story. setting is just after WWI)? There’s a whole thing in that film where at least two of the key characters have to summon everything inside themselves to forgive; how it’s a choice, to carry something upsetting (unforgivable) with you every day of your life (multiples, always reminding yourself, keeping that negativity alive), which is a lot of work, or to forgive and just let go (do it once, forgive; end it; onward).
So, is forgiveness a cop-out? The easy way out? Perish THAT thought! It’s not supposed to be ‘our’ job to punish or judge, right?
I just read something on a site I’ve never heard of called Film Inquiry (condensed here): ‘Love and forgiveness are constant elements within “The Light Between Oceans”. What does it mean to love another person? What is forgiveness? So many questions are raised throughout this film, creating a multi-layered exposition of emotions and catharsis. It is without these emotions that we fail to live and move on through our lives. If one looks further into the film, we see that light runs deeper and can be represented by our actions rather than a physical entity. In this (movie), forgiveness is represented as a light – the light we find between the decisions we make and the consequences that constantly fight back. Forgiveness is the hope shining through the darkness, through the storm. It not only gives us the direction to make it through our present circumstances, but also guides others who find themselves caught up in the storm.’
There’s a lot of power in that, much to ponder – – we can make worry for ourselves; we can choose to be stressed or resentful; we can let stuff eat us up inside. Or not. It’s a choice. But we’re mortal, human, flawed – – I refused to forgive someone once (a relative), and then he died; he knew how I felt but we never spoke. I still wrestle with it. I can really torture myself over people whose behavior just seems impossible to forgive or understand. I guess it’s a fight some of us may take to the grave.
It’s a heavy subject, forgiveness. Have to keep working on it.
I know it’s time to end this thread. You’re right in today’s post (4/3/19) about a good discussion here on MHC. It was really helpful to read your comments and those of your readers. Thanks for taking the time.
Forgiveness is paramount. It’s hard to get there. But it’s a blessing not only for the other person, but for yourself.
You have a very thought provoking post today. I have to say…I agree with you and almost everyone who commented. It’s been a struggle for me…trying to stay on top of current events, and not becoming upset or downright angry, and sometimes just befuddled that this could be happening! I have to watch my blood pressure, and politics doesn’t help. I used to be such a positive person…I need to find that girl again, before I lose her forever.
So…I guess I’ve decided to ignore as much as I can before it drives me completely crazy. I do believe in the resiliency of the human spirit. That we are capable of rising above, working together and trying to make this life a better one for each of us. We have such a short time here…I’m tired of wasting it on politics quite frankly.
So, I will continue to immerse myself in my home and family…travel when I can, and try to enjoy life more. Enjoy your evening! ;)
Ps….I had to laugh at your ‘mysterious ways’…but ain’t that the truth….why do we do that to ourselves? You are not alone! ;)
I’m tired of wasting it on politics, too. Don is really tired of it. I feel like I earned this time in my life, when I can step back, relax, and do what I want. I won’t let them take that away from me. More importantly, I won’t let them take my peace of mind away from me. And that’s up to me. Thanks so much, Donnamae.
It is hard for me to find peace when so many people are suffering. The news I can turn off. The people I see in person are harder to forget especially the children.
Little kids selling trinkets on the streets of Mexican border towns. A group of children turning themselves into border patrol. Sick babies in their fathers arms at a crowded immigration shelter.
I guess that is a hazard of traveling. You see a different world.
We are so very lucky. I can only give what I can and speak for those who cannot.
I hope I can learn from your success to find a peaceful life.
Of course it is hard. Every time I think of those children separated from their families, of the pain and anguish that those families are suffering, I am anything but peace-filled. That’s the whole quandary: how do we balance all these horrors with the need for a less anxiety-filled life?
I understand your dilemma. I find myself walking a tightrope too. I have landed on the side of what makes us happy. I hope you and Don find exactly where you need to be.
I hope we all do. We need some peace and happiness!
My husband has orders not to give me any bad news until I am at least fully awake. Then I prefer to read the news as at least it has been digested by someone and not just totally based on speculation. Although it is hard to tell…
We can control so many things but not all. So, yes, find peace whenever you can. I totally agree with the way Jane Fonda has grown and worked so hard to improve her life and gain wisdom. Her childhood was, in some ways, a nightmare.
I would rather not tell you what happened to my brother and my dear son after they became Marines and went to war. It would be an intrusion on your peace.
Our current situation with our President and his administration is an embarrassment in the least and most painful and dangerous also. I try to balance this with some of the other and, in my opinion, far worst periods in the history of our country. As I live in the now or try to, I treasure every day and hour that I can as I, and so many others who have commented here, know how easily our peace and sense of wholeness can be shattered. Or, it can also be filled with incredible delight and everything in between.
Best regards,
Mary Ann
Wonderful words, Mary Ann. Thank you!
For the two and a half years immediately preceding my first brain surgery, I got a preview of life as an infirm, much older person whose husband was her caretaker. Now, with two brain surgeries behind me and looking forward this morning to my dance cardio class where a bunch of us women of a certain age will laugh at ourselves and each other as we try complicated moves, I know I cannot live in hatred and impotency. My time of physical capability may be limited. (My disorder is not fatal but is considered progressive.) Therefore, I limit my time with the news. I want to be educated. I immediately turn any anger into something I want to do on the positive side: make a small donation to an organization or candidate I like, write postcards, call a government representative to ask for something I want rather than protest something I don’t, or attend a watch party of one of the candidates who interests me. I decided about six months ago to devote myself to working FOR things rather than against them. Sometimes it’s just semantics, but it changes my attitude.
It’s always a better choice to fight for something, rather than against something. Wise words, Linda. Thank you.
Interesting in that you asked earlier in your comment why you are now connecting with your house project just as spring is on the doorstep vs. during the dark winter. But then you talk about how you and Don want to spend this time of your life, using metaphors like making your cottage a haven and who you “open the door to”. Perhaps others have made this observation.
:-). I’ve decided one thing I’m going to do is try to focus on my family: my little family of husband and three cats, right here, contained in our small house. I’ve ceded household order to depression. Time for a spruce up!! Thank you for continuing to share your triumphs, questions, quests, goals, projects and hopes. I love seeing how the little house is coming together!!
Well, we’ve been thinking about this subject for a while and I didn’t do anything with the dollhouse – so, who knows?
It’s a good choice to concentrate on your family, Nora. Do what you can at home; for your family and your peace of mind.
As bad as the gov’t is right now, I’m so glad to see that I am NOT alone in my views. My only hope is that this awful time in history comes to an end, NEVER to be repeated again. Hopefully, those that have committed crimes, will pay for them. Let’s see!
I love reading your blog & it really does make my day a little brighter!! Thanks for doing this.
You’re most welcome, Priscilla. Thank you.
Claudia what a wonderful though provoking post today. I’ve come later in the day to read all the comments and it’s so interesting. Of course most of your readers are of like minds but other perspectives are also available. I myself have had to shut off most of the news. When I had my ‘break down’ last spring and started therapy it was one of the first things I did. My life is complicated by the fact that I am the caregiver for my 88 year old Mom. It takes so much out of me, but then I am also blessed to be able to provide care and love for her in her final years. It has put my life on hold in so many ways. I will be 69 in June and have started thinking more and more about what my future looks like after this season with Mom. I hope for more peace and rest and a chance to find joy in things I would still love to do while I can. I have to keep positive thoughts around me and the negative at bay. I do have to deal with some of it as I live in this country but I must leave much of the fight and protest to the younger generations now. I admire Jane Fonda not only for her talent which is tremendous in my opinion, but also for her ability to look back and realize the mistakes she made. I have made many in my time but lucky for me they weren’t published around the world. I think she has been an easy ‘scapegoat’ for many who suffered through Viet Nam years but as you say, she didn’t start the war.
I do want to say I appreciate all you and Don say and share with us. Your path is different than mine in many ways, but the same in some. It’s so good to have others to share this journey with. On another note I finally went to the Dr yesterday and I’m on an antibiotic which I hope will knock this crud out of me. I think we might do a family dinner tonight as it’s my son in laws birthday and I’ll FINALLY get to see the grands.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Linda.
It’s doubly hard for you right now – the world has gone mad, and your mom needs you. All very draining and demanding. I know you’re doing your best to find pockets of time where you can read and let the world go by. Being sick hasn’t helped either!
xo
Hi Claudia reading your blog and particularly the last paragraph it occurred to me that you may find a book I have just finished helpful. It’s called On the Brink of Everything by Parker J Palmer. He has a very down to earth way of talking about paradox and in the later chapters he talks about the current administration, how he processes his feelings and the paradox of wanting to love and feeling anger. Both of which are valid feelings. He also has a love of nature and a compassionate heart which is what I hear in your writings.
Oh, thank you, Val! I will make a note of the title. I could use all the help I can get wrestling with this dilemma!