Creative reset revelations

08 Monday Sep 2025

Posted by in Art, community, creativity, economy, Health, therapy, writing

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“Comparison is the thief of joy” (widely attributed to Theodore Roosevelt)

Are you a creative type who sometimes feels like you need a reset, a boost, or supportive motivation? Does it feel like your world is off-kilter lately? I was looking for inspiration beyond my childlike doodles that kept me comforted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This too shall pass. COVID-19 doodle therapy from 2020

Perhaps you are a sensitive type, becoming saddened and overwhelmed by world events, disgusted by greedy billionaire men and cruel dictators. Do you turn off the news and turn to YouTube clips of your favourite late night hosts and interviews?

Well, a couple of weeks ago the Universe provided me with a YouTube ad by a chipper UK artist, offering a free, ten-day online “Creative Reset” art course. Sign me up!

Staring at the blank page

For the first couple of days, I was committed although the instructor did most of her demonstrations with acrylic paints and oddball materials. I tried my best with the dollar store water colours in my limited workspace. I was determined to create. The demos and assignments challenged my logic and aversion to waste. My chosen paints did not offer a good sense of flow and brilliant colour mixtures. I lacked workspace and storage space for the recommended output of copious practice pieces.

I appreciated the frequent check-in emails and Q&A sessions with the instructor and her coaches. Thousands of people from all over the world had registered. I embraced the shared interest and joy emanating from the group. I felt a sense of community.

I soon became distracted by the comments and reactions in the live video chats, which I learned how to hide from view. I became overwhelmed by the number of posts in the dedicated Facebook group, and the increased notifications in my profile. Agh!

Was this the result of my lack of focus, possible ADHD symptoms that developed during the pandemic – or undiagnosed neurodivergence? Why did I find it counterproductive to participate in this worldwide community?

The first few assignments

Around that time, I developed symptoms of a summer cold; my throat was sore, my nose was runny. I started to cough. And cough. And cough. I became disappointed with my outputs after viewing photographs of others’ work in the Facebook group.

“Comparison is the thief of joy”

I needed to take a break. I felt overstimulated and disheartened. My sides hurt from coughing. My head hurt too. I medicated and drank plenty of water. I slept. I forgave myself for quitting the course at the final assignment. I allowed myself to rest.

Lessons learned?

  1. Welcome interest in new endeavours but moderate your energy and attention;
  2. Resist comparing your art work with others’;
  3. Continue being a creative type on your own terms;
  4. Use that letter from your GP to get tested for the autism spectrum.

Thanks for stopping by. How are your creative pursuits going?

T

Birthday month 2025

18 Monday Aug 2025

Posted by in Art, community, Health, pets

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The past couple of weeks have brought small, joyous celebrations with friends to help me mark another orbit around the sun.

I am constantly aware of the struggles and injustices happening outside my little corner of the world, reassuring myself that I am helping in a small way with occasional charitable donations to humanitarian movements.

This birthday doesn’t mark a notable milestone in age yet it marks the completion of one year being retired from full-time work. What a year it has been with enjoying slow mornings, walks around the community, volunteer activities with purpose, and afternoon naps.

My favourite response when people ask how things are going with retirement is: Less responsibilities, less stress, and … less income.

During my birthday month, I have enjoyed light meals and catch-up chats with old work colleagues, Rotary club volunteers and close friends.

My favourite birthday gift: F*ck it blank journal and fine tip markers

At my advancing age, I don’t need more “stuff” yet some of the lovely birthday gifts have brought me joy, laughter and an obligation to release the inner artist child.

One of the best ways to help me celebrate is to share in a meal, tasty treats and engage in meaningful conversation. Getting out for “fart walks” after meals is also appreciated – depending on the comfort level with walking companions.

A bench in the evening haze near the Nepean Sailing Club walking path along the Ottawa River

When the weather conditions are kinder, I like to get out for walks around the community, walks with friends or solo walks that are longer than the usual grocery run. When I get too comfortable on the couch for too long, I motivate myself by repeating a fun quote to get up and “move it, move it”, to get the blood flowing while performing light housework and chores.

Tabby Cat peering out from her home office cubicle

Sometimes, when I am planted in the wee corner office at my laptop, the old Tabby Cat likes to observe and supervise me from her various perches or hiding places. Her timing is impeccable during Zoom meetings, mewing loudly and demanding attention.

What about you? What are you doing to ensure a healthy and enjoyable retirement?

Thanks for dropping by.

T

Summer makeup?

10 Sunday Aug 2025

Posted by in economy, Health, pets

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During summer heatwaves, I cringe at the thought of applying anything on my visage other than mascara, lip balm and colour. Even applying sunscreen on my body is a compromise. Due to being such a sensitive child, it feels like my skin is suffocating.

Imagine my practical, critical side rearing its sweaty head while watching an episode of The Social CTV last week. I observed a series of steps that would extend, refresh and enhance your makeup.

The Social CTV episode August 6, 2025 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOzZ39cSBVg

You too can enjoy sweat-proof makeup after spending hundreds of dollars and applying four layers of different substances to your face. Just imagine the packaging waste and gunk that washes down our drains.

Pass.

I hope they have gentle cleansers to remove layers of gunk, and clean those pores.

Imagine my practical penny-pinching guilt a couple of weeks ago when I spent nearly $50 on Clarin’s one-step gentle exfoliating cleanser. The sales lady promised me it would be a refreshing scrub option. At least I was able to get my Senior’s 20% discount. Score!

I have been using it almost daily during these heatwaves and I like to think it is soothing my super-sensitive facial skin. I can barely read the long list of ingredients on the box. I sense a slight fragrance of powdered laundry detergent while using it. I trust their claim online that it contains plant-based microbeads and not the cursed, environmentally harmful ones made from plastic. Usually, I just wash water and a soft facecloth. Easy-peasy …. and cheap.

Questions: How do you manage your sensitive skin care during hot, sticky seasons? Do you wear large-brimmed hats and long sleeved cotton tunics when venturing out into the sunshine and wildfire particles?

Stay cool and fresh. Check out the Tabby Cat’s blog. She is barely surviving this cruel summer heat too. We compensate and commiserate while sharing a guilty pleasure of ice cream. YOLO +8.

Tabby Cat enjoying a lick of her human’s ice cream cone

Please hold the judge-y comments with concerns about the cat’s diet and health. She’s 20 years old, survived bouts of diabetes, two household moves and one annoying roommate. The deaf old girl loudly, repeatedly demands to share MY snacks of cheese and ice cream while she sits on the sofa beside me or eerily positioned behind my head. What Kitty wants, Kitty gets (all in moderation, of course).

Thanks for stopping by.

T