Well, the rain has finally stopped. But it’s in the low fifties and it’s going to stay there today. Tomorrow will be better. Cloudy today, sunnier tomorrow. (This photo was taken earlier in the week.)
Wait! I just saw the sun! What a difference it makes. The endless rain around here does wear one down. Don is ready to scream, as am I. But the up side to all of this is that our long drought is officially over. And that’s a very good thing.
I’ll be honest. I’m having a hard time lately. It looks like my career is over without my having made that decision and I’m still mourning that loss. You know how I feel about the felon and fascism and the dark deeds going on in the WH. I’m having trouble motivating myself to read, though I do read a bit each day. I’m trying to get excited about the dollhouse work ahead, but I’m also quite limited as to budget, so I have to get creative and those juices aren’t always in evidence. Don isn’t finding any work at the moment and frankly, he is so castable right now. He should be working a lot. Don and I feel lost at times – we want to work in our chosen fields because we love what we do and we’re really, really good at it. (Please don’t suggest other possible jobs. We live in a small town, have one working car, and believe me, I have worked all kinds of part-time jobs over the years. There’s really nothing available around here and we’re in our seventies.)
We still pay a hefty mortgage because we bought a house much later in life than most people. That choice was ours, but we feel the strain financially. However, we’re not special, we’re no different than so many people, especially nowadays. And we have no regrets about choosing this house. We love it so.
So something silly like three days of rain can really impact our moods.
But we are basically positive people, so we work hard to find moments of joy and laughter and gratitude in each day. We’re big on gratitude.
Anyway, I share this only because you might be feeling the same way. If you are, I’m sending you a big hug and lots of love. This too shall pass. I have to believe that things will get better. I’ve experienced a lot of little miracles in my life and have no doubt that more are on the way. So this is not a “Poor me!” post – far from it! It’s just an honest status update.
Stay safe.
Happy Saturday.
Good morning Claudia! We have had an actual spring this year. Cooler weather, rain and less wind. We have spent days doing hikes nearby and hanging with the birds in our yard. We are trying our hardest to be happy and content, but this administration always leaves its worrisome stink on our world. I’m sorry you two are missing out on work. It is very important and you guys are good in your arts. Hopefully the sun will come out soon (in more ways than one) and you can sit on that beautiful patio and read, watch critters and enjoy the days ahead. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, as you help me know I’m not alone. Have a lovely day.
Oh, I’m happy that this might have helped you a bit, Verna. I almost deleted the post but if you know you are not alone, then it’s worth it.
Stay safe.
I love how optimistic and positive you both are. This too shall pass. We just don’t know what is around the corner. Glad your drought is over. Hope the sun comes out. Hugs, Elaine
It’s out right now, Elaine!
Stay safe.
Well, I’m glad for the little bit of sunshine you saw. Amazing how just a little bit of sunshine really brightens things up. I really do hope both you and Don have more work in your future. Happy weekend.
Thanks, Barrie. I appreciate your kind words.
Stay safe.
i get what you’re saying …that you and don aren’t the only ones who are maybe retiring against your wishes … but you two are special!
you’ve said before that you don’t have an agent. does don? if so, might a check-in call serve as a reminder of your both wishing to work (and your many talents)?
whatever work may or may not come to you two in the future (and i hope you both get as much work as you want), i hope you and don feel good about all your contributions to providing entertainment to countless people over many years. thank you for all that.
and “amen!” to more miracles being on their way!
glad the sun is out for you. hope you can enjoy some time and meals and coffee on the porch every day. sometimes we have to think/make decisions about retirement and mortgages and money in general (among other big life stuff), but hopefully there’s time each day to enjoy the so-called ‘little’ things, too.
sending love and hugs to you all, too. xo and stay safe.
kathy
Don has an agent and when they see auditions that fit his type, they submit him. He’ll has to put one on tape this weekend. They’re doing their job.
I don’t have an agent.
Thanks so much for your kind words, Kathy.
Stay safe.
glad to hear don’s agent is helping.
will pray that don’s audition leads to a great and big job for him, and that you get the same, a job you really want.
hope you’re in the middle of a wonderful weekend.
kathy
It is STILL raining off and on, so not so wonderful so far.
It will be better tomorrow.
xoxo
Hugging you back, Claudia. Wishing you both the best.
Thank you, Ellen.
Stay safe.
Warm hugs from across the country to you and Don, Claudia. There will be sunshine soon in your neck of the woods. And we’re all pulling for you, whatever happens. I don’t really know how it is to lose your career, as I voluntarily and very very happily retired, but I do know how it feels to lose something you love. I hope that things look up in every aspect for you both.
I know you do, Wendy. Bless you.
It’s not just my career, it’s also something I love.
Stay safe.
I understand and feel for us all. We usually have the same weather as you do and it is really wonderful to see and feel the warmth of the sun. My landscaping around the house is a mess. I am not even trying to weed. The bushes are too tall covering too much of the front of our rambler. Much of them need a big prune and the laurel hedge like bushes are dead. But, what I admire about you and Don is that like many of us, have made your home your sanctuary. That is so important and what keeps you sane! So everyone even if you have only a little time or funds, enjoy the little things that make you happy! Take care all!
Exactly! Wonderful advice, Carlotta!
Stay safe.
These are dark and cruel times. I cannot believe this going to be America. My hope is one day soon there will be a rising and America will be back.
I still believe with all my heart that you will continue to work and so will Don. You both have so much talent and are so creative that this dry spell will come to an end. I will
put that thought out into the universe every morning.
I have been trying to memorize Mary Oliver’s poem “Wild Geese” it brings me comfort.
Take Care,
Kaye
Thank you, Kaye.
I love Wild Geese. It’s so powerful.
Stay safe.
If you don’t have enough money to kit out the Beacon Hill, maybe you could use your blog or IG to start a miniatures swap. Every miniaturist I know has a stash of minis and supplies, and they might be willing to trade for something in your stash. Or you could make something to trade. I seem to remember that you knit. I’m sure someone would love a hand-made rug or bed cover. Plus, it might be fun, and you could end up with some nice things from talented makers.
I don’t really have a stash, Bridget. A few things, but that’s about it.
I’m pretty specific about what I need/want. I’ll take my time and do what I can when I can.
Stay safe.
I hear you, Claudia. Many of us are feeling that dark spot — politics for sure, our own health and that of others, unexpected expenses, recent deaths. There are things we share and don’t on our blogs. But it’s all there in one way or another for all of us. I keep reminding myself I don’t live in Gaza or Ukraine and wishing I could emigrate to another country at this age is really a non-starter so it’s just a matter of getting over my sweet self and finding all the best in everything I can, whether it is watching Lizzie, a good walk, time with a friend, whipping out the paints, drowning in a good book or — at long last — seeing the sun.
I’m glad you’re seeing the sun today and hope the dark lifts a bit soon.
Yes, we work really hard at seeing the good in everything. Sometimes it seems impossible, but we eventually do.
Thank you, Jeanie.
Stay safe.
Claudia…..I am sad to say that my husband and I are going thru a real slump…in every way. We now face health insurance issues and frankly not sure what is around the corner. I am committed to fighting this dictator we now have and the cowards on the hill. I have been trying to enjoy the few sunny days…..between the torrential rain and sometimes it works. Other times, I crawl into bed and have sleepless nights or really disturbing dreams. So many out there are going thru real panic and long for the time we had a stable and moral government. I hope you and Don find something that will get those creative juices flowing soon. I know what it is like to love what you do and go thru some dry periods. Hope this is a short one. Sending you hugs. Sending us all hugs.
Sending you love and support, Maria. I’m sorry you are having such a hard time.
I know things will get better. But it is sure difficult in the meantime.
Stay safe.