There And Back Again

Let's begin with the obligatory late August photo: 

And now on to today's episode!

I gave it my best.

The  'serious'  blog.

Let's get real, folks-I mean have you seen me in real life?  

My life isn't pristine and pretty but it's certainly not an apocalypse.

NOTE:  I was looking at the online thesaurus for a fantastic replacement for apocalypse. This was the first thing that showed up so I stopped looking  and settled for it because here we are. 

So I guess it technically could be considered an apocalypse in the overall picture even it is a bit of a stretch. 

My life isn't something that can stay within nice defined boundaries.

I color outside the lines.   I remove mattress tags.  

I occasionally run with scissors. 

I drink milk past the expiration date.  My Christmas tree is still up. 

Yes, I march to the beast of my own drum.

No that's not a typo.  I said beast. 

I will elaborate on that another time. 

My intent was to post meaningful things that provoked thoughts that were philosophical in nature and not the I wonder if she's off her meds kind. 

The funny thing is that I had people message me asking if I was off my meds. Oh the irony....

 I'm more like an eclectic mix of chaospasm mixed in with passion, insanity, and a side of occasional adulting. 

What snapped me back into myself?  

An audio book I was listending to. I randomly checked it out from the online library because the title called to me for some reason. Include the cover shot of a raccoon that looked like it was on an extended mania spree pretty much sealed the deal. 

Furiously Happy by Jenny Lawson

Pictured is the author and the book cover

This link will take you to the  free preview of the book. 

 Disclaimer: It is peppered with language but I promise if you can overlook it it's worth it.  

https://www.google.com/books/edition/Furiously_Happy/FS6NBwAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&printsec=frontcover

As I have listened to it I got really excited because  I get it. 

I thank those of you who have stuck with my through the growing pains of finding myself back to this blog. 

 For some reason I got it in my head that by writing a 'serious' blog I was going to be a 'better' blogger.  

Well we can all see how that turned out.  

So this is just a quick update to say that I'm back-really back-and we shall continue on forging through this fantastic life of mine filled with nonsense and grit. 

The grit part isn't always fun to share but it's who I am and this is all-in or all-out.

At times we may go to uncomfortable places but they are part of the package. 

I hope you enjoy the ride. :)

Until next time,

-R

As always remember that there are only: 

Gut Feelings, Stubbornness, and the Changing of Seasons

Most people will say that the change of Summer to Autumn is a big one for them. It definitely is for me. There is something about it that is almost tangible. Some say they feel it in their bones while others might say that there is a general disconnect between seasons. Some feel a sense of dread. 

The reasons are attributed to 'back to school' fever, pulling out the winter gear, mourning the loss of warm-weather opportunities, and voraciously pouring over the winter forecasts with glee because you can't wait to see how bad of a winter is coming each year. Everyone does that, right? 

***Disclaimer: results may vary***

As I've grown older I admit I do like fall well enough. The last couple of years I realized just how much I love it.  Yes, you are reading this correctly:  Winter has a close competitor.  While it does admittedly win out over fall I'm happy to finally publicly embrace this most amazing change of seasons. 

I feel blessed to live in an area that has four distinct seasons. As a hobby photographer I enjoy the rich colors of fall, the stark contrast of winter, the first brilliant greens of spring, and the thunderstorms that are summer's way of reminding us that she, too, has a powerful place in things. 

I think that one of the more uncomfortable things that summer's end represents is a big shift in our personal focus. 

We 'wake up' during spring-an almost frenetic process of renewal. It's frenetic for me because the increase of light sends my poor little neurotransmitters into a flurry of activity that rivals the eruption of Krakatoa. (Obligatory educational link:  https://www.livescience.com/28186-krakatoa.html )

Summer turns our thoughts toward freedom and focus becomes outward.

 Late summer becomes an attempt to hold on with a sense of desperation as the first twinges of fall touch our psyche. 

Fall arrives in a brilliant final display of color as it pulls our focus back inward with more structured boundaries and introspection. 

Winter brings introspection and the stark beauty of nature as she sleeps.

It's a tougher transition for some.  

We are living in times of great uncertainty and this obviously has affected each and every one of us.

 I have tended to become more stubborn about many things in my life in order to maintain a form of stability. I've ignored many gut feelings that I should have followed in my quest to keep as much normality and consistency for myself and family. 

 My stubbornness has become my nemesis. 

The only thing that's ended up being consistent is that ignoring the gut feelings have been costly both emotionally and physically.  

Looking at what I don't have because of the chaos vs counting our blessings. I think that it's important to continue to count the positives we do have, even if it seems like the negatives far outweigh them. 

I have been encouraged by several in my circle to listen to those gut feelings. I found myself initially hyper-focusing and second guessing each feeling I had in an attempt to sort them into the 'gut', 'wishful thinking', and 'nope' categories. It was defeating the whole purpose.

There is a big difference in my gut feelings vs the other ones. The gut feeling is a deeper, quiet, solid thing while the others are not quiet and have no real substance to them. It's similar listening to that still small quiet voice we all do have even if we try to deny it's there. 

As we enter into the next phase of the future unknown, I would encourage you to stand tall and strong.  You are stronger than you realize.  

You can do this. 

We can do this. 

To quote something I came across  a couple of years ago: "Don't be scared, be prepared." Yes, I know it's difficult because we don't know what to really prepare for.  This is a topic I will post on at a later date as I'm still sorting that one out. 

Be good to each other. 

Until next time, 

-R

And I would be remiss if I didn't include that we have for your countdown pleasure: 

Restlessness, Noise, and the Dog Days of Summer

Restlessness and Noise

*Formatting fixed*

I am normally pretty restless during the month of August and this year even more so.

The uncertainty of how school will begin here is still in discussion.  

I had an opportunity to apply for Midget to attend a local charter school in July. 

 While I haven’t received an acceptance letter, I was emailed that she had been accepted. 

Midget is really looking forward to her new school but we don’t know what it will look like yet.  

Normally there is a new student orientation in August. We aren’t sure what supplies are needed as it’s a blended format but I’m going ahead and getting the basics now-backpack, calculator, pens/pencils, etc., things she will definitely use.

Even the sky is restless at this time of year with the Persied Meteor shower peaking tonight!

https://www.space.com/perseid-meteor-shower-2020-webcasts.html

Fun August Fact: 

 

I turned off all electronics for several hours this afternoon and it was uncomfortably  quiet.  I am really making an effort to do reduce the ‘noise’ around me. (As I type this with a Star Wars movie in the background).

I hadn’t realized how dependent on the background noise I’d become. 

 I’d been making sure I have a tablet charged for day and for night. I had been putting on a YouTube video to be able to fall asleep and it is usually a documentary on volcanoes or some other disaster.

I also realized that I have been using melatonin, Benadryl, or a sip of cough syrup every night to go to sleep.   #confessions

 

I am fairly certain that this noise has been a contributing factor to my anxiety. 

My brain simply hasn’t had a chance to truly disconnect for a long time; toss in the extremely chaotic time we are living in it’s no wonder I’m a mess this week!

Last night I decided to make some changes.  It was surprisingly difficult to do it and it felt very uncomfortable.  I tossed and turned a LOT but I eventually fell asleep at some point. 

I probably only got a cumulative 4 hours of sleep but it has to start somewhere!

 

I will be shutting everything off at 9 pm and will read to wind down instead. It’s important for me to establish a healthier routine.

 

I will be heading out to my patio for self care in just a bit.  (taken this afternoon)

 

I want to take my camera and take a day drive this weekend.  I want to keep it a bit spontaneous so I’m not really planning anything. It will be a ‘the tank is full let’s see where the road leads us.” 

I usually do a summer photo shoot and haven’t really done that this year. I took a vacation to the Oregon Coast and shot a few but I’d like to post more than ocean waves and boats in a harbor lol.

                                  *obligatory ocean wave picture*

 

I’ve also been working on writing a bit.  It’s only a note to my outlines, or maybe a paragraph or two. 

 

I’m hoping that by reducing the noise around me I will be able to quiet some of my restlessness.

 

Are you more restless this year? Are you finding yourself hiding behind noise?  I’d love to hear how you are doing. 

We are in this together!

 

Until next time,

-R

 

Time Flies

I hope today finds you all well. I was so tired yesterday that I dozed on the couch most of the morning. It was early afternoon before I had any energy to do anything. I became aware that several things needed to be done around the house. 

Nothing too complicated. Just simple things I'd let pile up or given myself excuses to "get it done later."

I confess I have been a bit stressed as many others are and have ended up not paying attention to my immediate surroundings. My clutter, my self care.

I intended to practice some self care each day. I followed through for a few days but was pulled to other things as my time management has really been lacking the last week or so. 

 I created a small space on my back patio that is filled with several hanging baskets and planters that are in fragrant bloom. I have several varieties of petunias, a couple of mixed planters, and a humongous geranium that the college girls who lived next door abandoned when they moved.

 I have a small wrought iron plant stand that substitutes as a table,  a hummingbird feeder, and led dragonfly lights up as well. I have a camp chair I pull out and I try to sit for a bit a couple times a day.  It's very relaxing and peaceful.

NOTE:  these were taken when I initially got everything set up. It's really filled out and they have grown quit a bit. 

 

I had a completely free day and as I took the time to slow down and really look, I was a bit surprised at just how much I've let things go.  

I had a conversation with the Midget  (who really isn't a Midget anymore but for all intents and purposes in this blog she will be known by that) and we made plans to start by doing a few simple tasks later today. 

I am feeling accomplished that I did complete a few tasks today. 

Small victories! 

It's now 1:40 a.m. Saturday morning as I'm typing this. The Midget has come out twice and told me to go to bed.  She may be ornery a good deal of the time (I blame the teenage alien hormones that have taken over) but at the end of the day she is a very loving daughter. 

She worries about me when I'm up late.  I generally don't sleep much when I'm restless like this. I figured now was as good a time as any to restart this blog. 

One of the other things I've been doing as a form of self care is running a small private Facebook group that I created as my way of combating the chaos of the world.  I started it over a year ago and realized that it would be a great idea to transfer the concept over here.

It's not a participatory group per se but members are welcome to post or respond as they see fit.

I usually start with a good morning, something really silly, a bible verse, something inspirational, a really bad silly animal pun, and close the day off with a goodnight. I have started to toss in a few daily or monthly things as well. 

I will probably do a pared back version of it here.  Something to motivate me to start posting regularly again. I hope you check in once in awhile and let me know how you are doing. 

On to today's topic.....

What is the definition of time? 

According to Webster's Online Dictionary :

Time is a measured or measurable period during which an action, process, or condition exists or continues: duration

A nonspatial continuum that is measured in terms of events which succeed one another from past through present to future.

I can say that time is flying.  It seems like March was yesterday and the shutdown began....then schools closed...and here we are entering the final stage of summer.

My dear friends, time is flying! 

Until next time I wish you kindness and health. 

-R

There are :

 

Memorial Day

While I used to be into the 'Happy"  wishing of the day, as I've grown older It's become a more quiet reflection and honoring of those who died while in service...whether on home or foreign shores.

We are a very patriotic family and it felt odd to not put my flags up this year (I have small flags I put in my flower pots).  The sprinklers where I live have not been adjusted properly and would have damaged the flags I have and I want to keep them in good shape.

A new FB friend who has a drone business created this memorial and I thought I'd post it instead of the usual flags in my flowerpots.

I hope you enjoy it!

Montana Taps

                                                            (Courtesy of  iFLYBIGSKY)

The Saga

It started so innocently. A long-overdue camping trip to the Oregon Coast, followed by a short stint at the fam's beach abode.  We had visions of many adventures...and boy did we..well I ...ended up having one of the biggest 'Murphy'  events of my life.

In the order of time and not reliving every single moment of this nearly 2 year long saga.


And that's not even  counting the other mishaps that took place..the wild fires that followed us down and back.,...the Midget's teeth had a disagreement with the campground's playground equipment.. and so on...



Enjoy!

Where I Left Off...Part Three (aka we are getting there)

From here on out the rest of the ' catching up' posts will be by the event-the two biggest ones have a lot of parts to it, lol.

So without further adieu...

So This happened...(best thing ever)

Welcome, Tiny Human

She really wanted to push the ring through the window

First birthday! 

First pumpkin search

Tiny Human and No Name the worm

The end of a big day at Nonnie's house

Tiny Human has a proud moment

Tiny Human said Nonnie needed a new 'do

Nonnie pumpkins

Making Christmas cookies

She loves her llama jammies

Snow fun 2019

She is a ball of energy, sass, and all that fun stuff. Not too much wordage this time. The pictures sum it up nicely! Yes, I'm a very proud Nonnie!

Where I left off...Part Two

 Moving on (in an approximate timeline)

  This happened:

He developed a non-treatable neurological condition. :( 

Our boy in better days. 

Then this happened:

Greetings Paradox
August 2015

        She originally wanted a big fluffy calm Persian. She got psycho kitty. Paradox wears dresses occasionally and rocks the 'catwalk.'  We have a pet stroller so she can join us on walks.  The Midget is working on harness training but with the other dogs in the vicinity it's a bit dicey and we don't want to risk Paradox' safety. 

April 2017

Meowy Catmas 2018

Laser  perimeter search activated

Then this happened (you aren't seeing double):

Welcome Flufflepuff

Coming home Dec 2015 

We're home! Dec 2015

Misty, Paradox, and HRH Princess Flufflepuff Star Sassypants.

Paradox runs the joint. She has to be fed first, given treats first and generally demands to have whatever treats the dogs get.  Pumpkin, yogurt, etc. 

Misty is the sweet calm 'I'll just just hang out with you" dog. Flufflepuff?  She is a hyperspaz, all over the place, spoiled, I  shall invade your space for eternity" diva dog.  (all in fun of course).  

Flufflepuff is also a Brussels Griffon and is Misty's full blooded sister.

The Dynamic Duo Nov 2018

Misty on the left, Puff on the right.

That pretty much wraps up the critter part.



We've had a few vacations......

A silly moment Oregon Coast 2015

Oregon Coast 2015

A foggy evening 2015

My aunt found a legit message in a bottle. It was written by a vacationing blogger and had been floating for about 4 months.  While the blogger isn't active much  (pot/kettle) it is the stand-out memory from the coast that year.

June 2016

Oregon Coast June 2016

***


Then came the vacation of 2017.

I've shared a couple of photos here from the trip.   We started off camping and well....that story will be it's own blog post. Murphy has made it very clear that he will be with me forever....

We caught en epic later summer moonrise on our trip home. We were East of Wenatchee, WA when this was taken.

I made a point to take the Midget to Mt. St. Helens as she'd never been. We had a lot of fun!

Mt St Helens crater

 A stunning building at sunset. It was the only thing for miles on Hwy 2 in WA State.  I later found out that this was actually a school house at one time. 

 
A very irritated squirrel at the main park Brownsville, Oregon. The park was overrun with them that summer due to the very mild winter they had.

The Midget, my aunt, and I literally stood in awe on the balcony watching the light shift. We may or may not have spontaneously sung a hymn....

  This was literally a 180 degree turn from the      sunset school, taken about 30 minutes earlier.

And finally this trip boasted the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen in all of my years travelling to the Oregon Coast. 

***

And finally  the vacation of 2018.  Many things were different, some were the same.

"Skip the bypass and go straight through Portland" they said. "It will be fun" they said.

Portland, OR 2018

Five minutes and a few accidents (not involving us) later....we came upon this:

 "I-5 South is closed 7/19-7/23. Use Exit 405B for Salem"

Portland, OR 2018

O,o

The Midget chilling at the hotel.

We did get to see the famous Idaho Potato

Fogerty Creek, Oregon Coast

The Midget being silly

A parasome. A gelatenous mass of zooites. 

This year it looks like we might explore a bit more locally, although a request has been put in to go to Forks, WA.  The area is stunningly beautiful; I wouldn't mind driving up to Hurricane Ridge again.

The Midget has expressed the desire to visit her Kindergarten teacher who moved to Port Angeles several years ago. (she stays in touch with her students) 

Well darn.   I think that about does it for this part.  I hope to get caught up and post in my more normal silly style soon. 

Thus ends part two!