New(ish) Blog

 You can find more of my random and sporadic postings over on my other blog, Musings of a Modern Misfit.   

Eventually I will figure out how to tie them together. 

Have a great day! 

Well hello there!

 

(To the tune of "The Sound of Silence")

      Hello Blogger my old friend

      I've come to drop some words again..

      I know I promised to be more active..

      And made a second blog-yes, I was all in..

But who was I kidding I should have known how it all would end....again...All my blogs....are silent.

Yes, I'm popping in. So much life has happened. Working full time, the Midget has graduated high school, took a life-changing-reaffirming trip back to Ohio with @seedsofink.net

So no promises, but lots of thoughts to share..

See you soon!

-Robyn

No Manic Monday Here...

I try to sit outside for at least 30 minutes each afternoon, regardless of weather.  I was staunchly committed to this at first and chastised myself on the days I missed it.  Since then I've taken a much more relaxed approach to it because now it serves the purpose it was intended for; to unwind, unplug for a bit and just be. 

It was late Monday afternoon  and I was sitting out on my back patio taking in all the amazing things around me.  

From the green that only spring can provide to the nearly cloying scent of white blossoms occur each year. The warmth of the sun and the quiet sounds of birds singing away. The only thing lacking is the vibration of all the bees that usually are collecting their pollen. 

I had to admit that when I happened to look up everything went on pause for a few moments. The sky in 

contrast with the trees was almost magical and I could have easily been drawn into a state of 

daydreaming. (Had I not had the intruding thought to take the picture lol) 

The tree packed with white blossoms full and lush sits next to its neighbor, a tree that is sparse and thin. 

While you would think that one  vastly outweighs the other, I would disagree. The brilliant yellow-green 

buds reaching toward the sky makes them equals.  

 Today the clouds are white but smoothly blended with shades of Gray in the distance.  Today they are 

more gentle somehow-softer, like a blanket giving a sense of comfort rather than the powerful 

cumulonimbus clouds that erupt later in the year. 

The dove that appears to have taken up residence close by is cooing while a Robin is singing its song

 and hopping from ranch to branch. I love this time of year it's full of possibilities. The button quail have 

reemerged and passed by taking their daily stroll down my sidewalk.

I am hoping for many more afternoons like this one. I do live in town, but it's common for wildlife to 

meander through town here. 

It was a wonderful afternoon.  I do have hummingbird feeders up and we should start having those 

visitors soon.

I hope you are enjoying spring wherever you are. 

Until next time,

Robyn

39 days until Summer/Solstice

133 days until Fall 

172 days until Halloween

197 days until Thanksgiving (US)

227 days until Christmas 

ReplyForward

The Perfect Spot

 

NOTE:  I'd started writing this post in November intending to post in the beginning of December. With things as they have been like many I've been pretty occupied until now.  I did, however, post a few things to my Instagram, :) 

When school started for the offspring I wanted to create a dedicated space that would help  her to stay on track and focused on her lessons while still giving her a sense of her own space.   I decided that putting my desk by a side window in my dining room would be a great spot.  I set it up so that everything she'd need was in arms reach-notebooks, printer paper, pens, pencils, the whole works. 

She used it for one day. ONE.  It was a fight to get her to use it on day two.  I asked her to give it a chance.  Nope. She was a 'one and done' and this was not a battle I felt needed engaging in; that being said. it doesn't negate the fact that it's still a perfect spot.  

Obviously not a good spot for her, but one for me. 

 As I look out the window while I type this I'm watching a few remaining leaves blow from the nearly bare trees onto the  partially snow-and-leaf covered grass from a snow storm we had this morning.  It came to the realization that I'd always had this spot in mind for me. 

This particular window provides a wonderful view of the changes that come along with each season.  Over the snow covered garages I can see trees with leaves that are fighting the process of letting go.  I can see the dark snow clouds being tossed around by the winds. I have one tree pretty close to my window that have brought different visitors into view.  Cats, birds, the occasional squirrel, and quail. 

If I look a bit closer to a direct view I can see the trees that are now barren aside from the few berries left from the bird swarm when we had our first big snow.

I always thought the light would be perfect here.  It gets lots of light but is not in the direct glare of afternoon or morning sun.  At times it might be a bit bright but I just pull the blinds down a bit and problem solved. 

  

The dogs like it too. They have their beds beside the desk and the cat perches from the top of the hutch unless she's wanting attention and like every cat...has no shame in walking across the keyboard as I'm typing.  If I try to type around her she's known to demand my full attention by nipping my arm.  Update: Said feline now considers it an invitation to climb over and plant herself in my arms, leaving to type one-handed. 

 

Now I really have encouraged the offspring to work here. I have set up things in a way so everything she'd need is in reach. I will always offer the spot up to her but she has decided to claim our couch and the side table that goes with it as well. It's very apparent that her idea of organization is far different from mine and I often lament that I will never be able to use my couch again. 

Update: I have since purchased a rolling laptop desk so that I can sit on the couch while she works. I considered it spending time with her. She considered it an intrusion to her space.  Needless to say I am back in my spot. 

It turns out that I really do like my spot and that maybe her needs for distance learning was the the motivation to finally set my spot up.  Regardless of the reason it's worked out well for all of us.  

Let's see.....what else has been going on....

The dogs have had a spa day.

I

I've been missing my granddaughter so very much. We have been making due with video chats. She loves filters....

  

Apologies for the unpolished nature of this post. I wanted to hurry up and get something published for you.

Until next time, 

Robyn

Life, The Election, and Covid-19

My personality is a beast. It's loud. It can be moody.  Unpredictable.  Passionate. Intense. 

When it gets upset it gets really upset. It wants to be mean and petty.  It can also love fiercely. 

My personality also is fiercely loyal; often to my detriment and it's a beast I have to fight consistently because I've often lost my footing in the process.  

For the most part it has just wanted to just get along.  I forget to take care of me more often than not.

  

My personality sometimes doesn't make sense.  It often appears contradictory to itself and sometimes more than once a day.

The amount of sleep I get definitely affects the intensity of the given day.  

When I'm frenetic and emotions are all over the place time is a blur.

When I'm angry you can imagine the sound of a wet hissing spitting kitten.

Paradox. Our resident ruler.

I like to think I am pretty predictable. I think it's more a situation of being stuck in my ways and my loathing of change. 

The political climate over the last couple of years in addition to the election mess taking place now have me asking myself some hard questions. 

Have my beliefs changed? How? 

I think they have expanded more that changed.  I stepped back a bit and took in a larger expanded view of things and realized that by keeping such a narrow focus I was missing half the picture.  And it was a big half lol. 

Is it healthy for me to hold so much in? 

I used to say yes because I'm a pretty private person when it gets down to the nitty gritty. I think there are maybe 3 people on this planet I trust to share the deepest of the deep. 

I have realized lately that it's important for me to vent a bit more in the safe spaces I have or take the different approach of simply talking about it to the person(s) it involves.  

That is a delicate line for me because I'm about as subtle as a lead pipe when I have great feels. 

Where is the line between just enough and oversharing?  The line between sticking to your principals or sacrificing your integrity?

I've always shared the position of respecting different views even when they are the direct opposite of mine.  I always figured that I'm not in their shoes, they aren't in mine so as long as the respect goes both ways all is well. 

Lately my brain has started hinting that maybe it's not as okay.  With the epic socio-cultural changes taking place in our society it's had me wondering if by said respect of others views I am complicit with theirs.  There are things that are part of a personality and things that are a choice.   I have really taken a look at things and it's shaken me up a bit. 

There are certain things I absolutely am against personally and I say I've drawn a line for myself over them but by saying I respect people I know who do believe or practice such things actually does imply a type of complicity.  

I'm really struggling with this one. I have always spoken up about some things but the things I'm struggling with have always bothered my but I put them aside.   I've been quiet.  I was talking to a friend the other day about this and I said " Maybe it's time that I'm not so quiet anymore."

It's a hard call on how I'm going to approach these things but rest assured I am going to approach them and deal with them. It's a very scary process and I want to make sure I respond and not react.

 

I don't want things to go back to the way they were; it was toxic and  what we are going through at this moment is the result.   

I want to move forward and grow. 

 I would love unity and healing but I'm not naïve. I know it won't have fluffy clouds of happy but we can work towards something positive.

We are in the midst of  growing  pains not seen in decades.

The one thing I say quite often is " all will be well in the end." It means things will be okay or at a point we can accept them as a starting point to leave a place our point of chaos.  

It's a peace I have that while things are really bumpy and chaotic, I feel deep down that things will settle and we will be able to move forward. We have the opportunity to rise to these challenges. 

Our humanity depends on it. 

We don't get an automatic "let's be friends" pass anymore. Things have been said and done in moments of anger, fear, and disgust that can't-and shouldn't-be forgotten. It may even be time to re-evaluate some relationships in your circle.

Shining a light inward isn't a comfortable feeling. Making snap decisions doesn't always end well. I need to take my time to process things. I also recognize that it is a form of  avoidance.     

The toxicity displayed by people over the last two years in particular has been astounding.  I want the election to be over and done but I know it won't solve the many problems before us.

It's time for honest apologies, accountability, and a willingness to stand for  a common goal to work toward.

I know we can do this.  We can unite or at least agree on some common ground and let the rest grow around us.

Does that sound unrealistic?   I suppose so but did I mention my other fault is being an optimist? 

Go figure. 

And on to Covid-19.....another incredibly decisive issue.  

Yes, I have had two tests. Thankfully negative.  

My simple (and non-negotiable) thoughts on the matter:

Wear a mask.     Wash your hands.     Decide what you are willing to risk.     Don't stop living. 

A couple of mine. 

I know of those in my circle who have lost people I have friends and family who have/had it. Some were really sick. Some weren't. One had no symptoms.

And in the words of Forest Gump...

Image obtained from tenor.com

Sorry this isn't my usual nonsensical entry, but many things are weighting heavy on my heart today. 

I wish you all peace, health, and wellness. 

Be kind.  

Until next time, 

Robyn

20 days until Thanksgiving

49 days until Christmas

359 days until Halloween

Hi, New Stuff On The Way, And Catching Up

                     October 

It's one of my favorite months. 

The season begins to change in earnest; nature pulls out her crayons and creates a masterpiece. 

 Hot cider, hot cocoa, and the autumn-scented candles take over mantles and microwaves. People take a breath and look around, even if for only a moment, and that moment can change your mindset.  

EDIT:  It can change your mindset alright!  

Invasion of the gnats! 

Gnatmageddon! 

Gnats everywhere! 

For your viewing pleasure...gnats in motion...gnat ballet...you get the idea.

I went  in search of fall color this past weekend planning to get some work to update my Flickr that is WAY overdue for new stuff.   I've taken a bunch since I last uploaded there but I've always had 'squirrel' moments each time that I meant to actually sit down to do it.  

 

Anyhow, that turned out to be an adventure in itself and I'll be sharing that, crappy pictures and all, so you can both celebrate and commiserate the events that took place that day. 

You can see some of my work here.

The weather has finally reached that amazing place when we have warm days and the crisp cooler nights.  That stage when you wonder if it's time to pull out the flannel sheets.  That time when you both celebrate and fear  pumpkin everything. 

 The time where I wonder whether I should fight the elements or let them take my plants to the garden underworld.  (I decided in favor of cleaning up for the season. I didn't want to wait until it was chilly and rainy).

It looks so empty now. I will be putting up a few decorations to note the current season as I wait patiently for the day I can get all my outdoor Christmas fare up.  

We ended up catching the first of the seasonal viruses going around. It wasn't fun and took a bit longer than usual to go away. It wasn't the 'rona (we both had to get a tested as a precaution) but it was miserable enough. Today we are nearly recovered!  

Image by Myriam Zilles on Pixabay

I wanted to post something a bit lighter today and thought I'd share some of the ideas I'm going to include in upcoming posts.

 I will be reviewing a myriad of things.  Some will be artisan crafts or products. From food to photography I hope to share some of the things that inspire me. 

I will be featuring a social media accounts that I find have amazing/interesting content. I follow and have developed some friendships with both hobby and professionals in the upcoming content I will share that I think are worthy of a look see. 

 Recipes are a big one for me right now as I'm embarking on yet another chapter of health improvement (and it's working!)  I will even review a current workout thing that has been successful as it can be giving my current physical condition. 

 I have tried artisan products through groups of like minded people, and items through friends and family, old and new.

Sometimes I've found amazing things when I've fallen down the YouTube rabbit hole at 3 a.m. on a Tuesday morning....and some absolutely horrific things too, but that's for another discussion. 

What's new with you? 

With all of the disasters and stress-both emotional/mental and physical-I can't help but wonder how all of you are doing.    If you've ever read any of my posts, trust me, you have all collectively crossed my mind lately.  

 Unfortunately we are living in a climate of uncertainty and chaos. I would like to remind you that it's important to take care of yourselves.  Be kind. Be patient. Be you. 

Do you love all things pumpkin or detest it's hijacking of the season?  If you love pumpkin what is/are your favorite items? 

I'm not a fan of pumpkin as a rule but some amazing muffins and a Starbuck's Chocolate Pumpkin Creme Nitro Cold Brew changed my mind but only for that drink.  

Until next time,

Robyn

And don't forget that....

I Can See Clearly Now

  

The raging fires in Oregon (basically the entire state), California (I can't believe there is anything left to burn!), Washington State (again?!?), and here in Idaho have created such disaster, heartache, and destruction that it honestly took the wind out of my blogging sails. 

Yaquina Head Lighthouse, Newport Oregon

Then the smoke came. I don't mean the typical 'here for a day and gone tomorrow' type we usually experience each year that may occasionally hit the 'unhealthy' or 'hazardous' categories for a half day or so. 

I am referring to the smoke that crept across the sky with it's thick viscous malevolence.  The particulates consisting of not only vegetation smoke but many homes, cars, businesses, etc.   

Wildfire smoke is often described as smelling like a giant campfire. Our brains recognize it and while devastating feels a bit familiar. This smoke was another thing entirely.

It has a frightening, poisonous, acrid smell. It's a chemical-ish stink and there is nothing like it. It's the kind of smoke that makes you feel like you are suffocating if you are directly exposed for more than a minute or two.   

As I looked my sliding glass window that day I saw the strange filtered orange sunlight with tiny specks of ash falling. Sepia would be a more accurate description of the color.  I had a thin layer of it on my car more than once.  

It got so bad that we had to literally stay indoors.  We ended up having to hang a blanket over the front door to seal it and another one as a door stopper. We pulled out both of my ion air purifiers and turned up our Himalyan salt lamps.  I went and bought high quality furnace filters but it was too dangerous to use the furnace as I don't have a  'recirculate' function. 

We were getting a bit stir crazy and I have to tell you 2020 has become the year of living Jumanji.  

We finally had to be brave and venture out for needed items and I broke into my wildfire kit (I have different kits for different scenarios) and pulled out the N95s.  

Now before you say "but those are for medical personnel" I will tell you I put my kit together several years ago and always have several packages of N95s just for this particular reason.  Having asthma sucks. It sucks worse in smoky conditions.

Yours truly

At times I felt guilty because what we suffered here was NOTHING compared to what people experienced (and are still experiencing) in many areas. Sometimes it's hard to keep perspective. 

There were promises from the weather forecasters that the end was coming.  Rain was promised.  Then the air quality alerts were extended by two days.  The only positive was that the air quality numbers were ever so slowly improving.  

Facebook was filled with comments of "I've never been so excited to be very unhealthy"  and " I can't wait to be unhealthy." 

Even as the numbers improved it was a bit confusing as the thickness of the smoke got worse and settled in to the point once again that we couldn't see the local mountains. There were a few differences though.  

The smoke wasn't the yellowish, diffusion that had been the previous week's mess. This was more of the white smoke that it still crappy but resembles more of a winter inversion type of smoke. It was confusing until I realized that it didn't smell as bad. (but still made me cough a lot).

Neon pink sun through the smoke. 

The first night of predicted rain didn't fall. It was more a few drops here and there scattered over the area.  The wind had started to move the atmosphere a tiny bit.  We did, in fact improve to unhealthy, and people started to emerge into society a bit.  

I miss the mountains

Still can't see the mountains

I dutifully took part in washing my car yesterday afternoon to help increase the chances of rain. As night fell I kept looking out my front door to see if the rain had come. I stuck my head out for one last time before bed and the sidewalk was wet!  

Yes, my friends, it had indeed rained! 

 

I got the dog leashes and took the canines for a quick walk to their favorite tree and they were as excited as I was to be out. The air smelled wonderful!  I went to bed happy and filled with relief that things were well on their way to better. 

I woke up this morning and it's a beautiful early fall day!   The air quality is good, there is no haze, and we have partly cloudy skies. Where the sky is peeking through it's that beautiful pale blue that is prominent in September. I have several windows open and I'm so grateful to be getting the gross smell out of my house.

 

It will probably take me a couple of days to get the junk out of my lungs but I'm breathing deeper and am more grateful with each breath of that fresh clean air!

I would be easy for us to just move on and go forward but I would ask you to remember all who are still battling these epic fires. Headway is being made but they are far from over.  

Many people also don't realize that fire season runs through mid October where I live and we have a ways to go before we are at lower risk.  My prayer is that this is the worst of it and things settle down.

Please keep the fire crews and first responders in your thoughts. Some have lost everything yet keep their focus trying to save others from the same fate. 

I'm grateful for their service.

As I look out my window I am so glad to say that...I can see clearly now. 

Until next time,

-R

PS no countdown reminders today.  Just didn't feel right. 

For a bit of the perspective I mentioned, here is the list of large fires burining in ID, WA, CA, and OR.