My spirit felt like this today…for a little while:
Today, everything keeps getting in the way of everything. Some days are like this. I take one step forward and then ten steps back. I can’t gain ground. The duties of the day form a wide cascade and I’m sinking down deep in the froth of details, errands, rearrangements!
Additionally, I’m dog sitting a couple of dogs at the moment which is rather disruptive in the way that all animals in my household as well as the dogs of friends must be segregated for mealtimes so that Penelope doesn’t eat her self to death (she is a hound, after all). I was unsuccessful in this yesterday. Penelope (very sneakily) ate roughly 12 times what she is usually given for a meal portion and as a result, she became sick. By sick, I mean I woke up to a total of 10 accidents all over the house this morning. A heartbreaking start to the day. Even more heartbreaking? One dog moved my entire front porch off the front porch. Shells and ocean detritus I so carefully collected in the Pacific Northwest a few weeks ago were reduced to pieces, shards, minute bits of memories of the sea shore. Dirty papasan cushions crushing the columbine patches. Broken flower vases.
Gah.
Oh well. Stuff is stuff. As always, I’ve forced myself to see the glass as half full — it’s good to get into the practice of always seeing the bright side in everything. Healthy for the mind and soul — debilitating for self pity and depression.
There’s always this fellow:
My sweet, ever loving, bird dog darling who does not suffer from the eating disorder of gluttony. I love his smoochieboofa.
There’s the mail that always comes at the perfect time when I need encouragement,
words of wisdom,
news from afar
and general gladness of divine proportions.
From this image, you know who you are. Thank you.
There’s the expanse of my studio space — my creative space,
the falling into rhythm with a hammer,
the singing to the music,
the light,
the mountains in the distance,
the smell of the blue spruce in the front yard
and working in my favorite cowboy boots.
And then there was lunch:
A side of freshly picked cherry tomatoes and a bagel sandwich, gluten free and exploding with soft poached eggs (one from Rhonda, one from Winona), dill and Havarti. Thank the good heavens for cheese.
There’s also the Mister who will be home soon to help me shoulder these things. There will be his broad chest to bury my face in and him, suggesting I draw a hot bath for myself in the evenings. I’m getting better at caring for myself, but he is the very best and very most skilled when it comes to the task.
Happy Friday to you all!
I hope yours was smooth, productive and full of grand surprises.
If not, let’s hold this half full glass together and rejoice in all the good we can see.
Indian summer, mint leaves and ripe plums,
The Plume
PS I finished this beautiful fellow late last night!
..hey there miss.plume,
forgive the months of radio silence–still partaking of your lovlieness and prose..just been scattered (frantic?) in body and spirit…but, today as I stood reading your blog entry (while running a child's bath, doing the dinner dishes and feeding the dog..and listening to the chime of my text alert)..i STOPPED. Read. Reread your words.
Tears just tumbled down –and I smiled (what a snout on your fine pet)..I exhaled. Thank you again, for reminding me of what matters..that treasures are not in the tangible/material bits..they are those precious moments caught usually between the chaos..wish I could say what I feel more eloquently..but, alas YOU did..
Oh, Jillian, I'm so sorry that your day has gone this way – especially the porch issue…..sad but as I always remind myself – these are only material things and life goes on held together with the memories of the moment and the reminder of how very lucky I am to have what I do and enjoy it so deeply…….most importantly, friends like you. Thank you for taking time to help me today – I successsfully soldered a tiny little bezel and will show you a picture soon. Hugs to you, Farley and piggy Penelope:O) I had a little wiener dog one time that got into the easter candy – chocolate no less. I had to walk him all night long so he wouldn't die!!! What a mess. Hugs and have a splendid weekend. Hope your doggie visitors go home soon:O) Hugs, Sal
We danced with our puppies in the living room this morning. I would say it was quite productive.
I'm already soul-brighter!
Can you see my sparkle coming back?
darling dear. my heart goes out to you. granted, nothing horrible happened, but still…a snowball affect of lots of smallish things can truly wear on the soul. we can all relate….
i'm proud of you for outweighing the bad with the good. it's not as easy as it sounds, i know.
i hope it will add to your glass half full to know you have a package of special tidbits coming your way very soon (next week)…and i will pack an extra special something just for you!
your newest piece is completely breathtaking!
much love!
xo
you are loved.
when life feels overwhelming,
when nothing seems to go right,
remember.
you are loved.
it is a full circle.
bask in what holds you in the middle.
xx
A few things in no particular order:
1) I about died listening to what shenanigins those dogs have been up to. You are very kind and brave to take on more doggies.
2) I would love to own your bod. 😉
Rock on sister. Oh, and those boots compliment it so well.
3) Love your latest piece and the darling coral rosette you've places perfectly.
Have a wonderful weekend,
cbm
who are you kidding??? your glass overfloweth.
sending love. xorou
Goodness, that really IS a house full of little beasties! So good that you can still find joy out of them (at least one of them?!) despite the frustrations they create! Similarly to elliot, I stopped and just read, no trying to make breakfast or do the dishes, but just focus on one at a time. Thank you for reminding me to look on the bright side and be thankful for what is given, even if everything may feel in pieces!
WOW sounds like alot of destruction, sorry Plume your treasures got broken, that is a bummer. Just remember this your memories are pictures in your mind and they can never be destroyed or lost. It sounds like in middle of all the chaos you discovered what really matters, I feel for you with the absense of your partner but as you remembersoon that special place you snuggle into will be home right there waiting for you and I am sure he misses you terribly right back.
Two things:
1. There is great detritus here (that ships well) as well as the upcoming salmon fishing season. As well as BC and I. I think you and the Mister should plan a trip.
2. I snorted like a horse when I saw the pix of your outfit. If only I had taken a snap yesterday; our twinsieness was SERIOULY UNCANNY.
Thanks to you all for leaning in, squinting and seeing the brightness with me:)
Umbie: C.T. forever.