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When All Else Fails…

Ever have one of those days when you don’t even want to show up in your own life?

What do you do?

I have a list of things I can do that usually help me snap out of it, but today they were of no use.

I didn’t even feel like taking a nap.

I sometimes spend days speaking only the minimal I can get away with. Today was one of those days, so talking on the phone was out.

Same with singing in the shower.

Playing with a pet is nice, but we have two kittens who tear around the house with all the kitten energy they can muster and as they chased one another across my feet last night, they tore me a new big toe cuticle.

Ouch.

Going outside always lifts me up. Playing in the garden, weeding the fence line, cutting grass, raking leaves, but alas, it rained again most of the day.

There’s always show up, do the work, keep going. Ugh…

Writing aside, I have numerous projects within view that need to be finished.

I have pictures that need to be framed and hung.

I have three signs that I’ve been wanting to paint.

I have my gallery wall to work on.

I have research I’m working on for the next book I want to write.

My physical inbox is overflowing and I just don’t have it in me to go through it today.

Maybe tomorrow.

~~~

When all else fails… what then?

Well, I decided to do something nice just for me.

I have this earring that has beads of the most beautiful colors that I’ve wanted to make something out of for quite a while.

I got it out along with some other pieces I thought I might use and I made myself a zipper pull.

Sometimes, it’s just nice to make something with your hands.

Something pretty.

Something totally unnecessary.

Zipper pull on the left, what I didn’t use in the bowl on the right.

Such a small thing, but it makes me smile.

That’s a good start…

~~~

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8 Replies

  1. Judy Schwartz

    Heartwarming reflection and fits me to a “T”! After grinding along in a trench of ‘what the hey is going on?’, an angel or two poked me, and FINALLY I was able to make some decisions!!! What a weight lifted off my shoulders, pulling me out of that deep dark place. Yours is the 3rd reading today (1st my own description to someone else & then two others of similar ilk) on matters of belonging and doing. Thank you 🙏🏻

    1. carol

      Thanks. It seems to be going around. It’s a beautiful day today so getting outside has helped lift the fog a bit.

      I’m glad yours is looking better too!

      With much love…c ❤

  2. Susan Manry

    Morning Carol. I always love your honesty. I get it and understand. There are days and weeks that just are blah and nothing or not much seems to make you get out of that funk. The zipper pull is a start and how creative and beautiful! With everything going on in this world and certain things going on with some of my family members with Covid who have and are recovering thank the Lord, I just get down sometimes. I understand. But isn’t it great that eventually we and God pull ourselves our of the abyss and get back to our happy place again. I am leaving for the beach for a week with my siblings tomorrow so today is a happy day for sure even though I still have to pack.
    There will lots of mexican train dominos and scrabble games with lots of laughter, talks and many jokes. One more thought is that we tend to beat ourselves up on those down days. I have learned in my life to not do that and that sometimes the day and weeks at times are just what it is, being dark and gloomy. Those times make us stronger. But we always rise and find something to pull us up and out, like your zipper pull. Love you girl. Susan

    1. carol

      Thanks Susan. How funny that I woke up this morning thinking about grace. I have been blessed many times over and I need (and want) to live in that space where I appreciate all that I have been given. I am happiest when working outdoors and yesterday I pulled up some plants and checked on the sweet potatoes. I have wildflower seeds to collect. Life is good. I think my granddaughter and I will make her a special zipper pull for her backpack while she’s here this weekend.

      On another note, I’m glad your family members are recovering and that you’re going to the beach for a week! Enjoy the board games and especially enjoy each other’s company.

      Love and safe travels my friend…c ❤

      1. Susan Manry

        Carol, we had a fabulous family vacation and I laughed so much, my throat is hoarse. Fun times.
        I hope you had a good week last week and I pray you have a fabulous week this week. Weather should be nice to work outside. Love you girl. Take care.

        1. carol

          So glad your vacation was fun! I’m outside enjoying the weather. Pruned up a tree today and cut some grass. I love this time of year! Love you loads! ❤

  3. Lou

    I love that you love messing with beads and baubles. It’s been a favorite past time for me. One of these days I’ll have the space and all my trinkets out of storage. I’m looking forward to that time.

    1. carol

      Nora and I made a zipper pull for her school backpack while she was here this weekend. It came out really cute. I’ll post a picture on facebook! Can’t wait for you to have an awesome setup. I still have so much to learn… ❤

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