Category Archives: economy

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

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

The winter of their discontent

16 Sunday Feb 2025

Posted by in economy, Food and Cooking, Health, writing

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Like many Canadians and other sensible people, I have been avoiding news reports that feature the face and voice of the 47th US President as he and his unqualified minions destroy American democracy and its once-respected image on the world stage.

Apparently, many of the faithful followers are becoming discontented with the state of affairs since the orange menace’s reign officially began less than one month ago. Amid a slew of hateful, backwards executive orders, he has not delivered on his election promise to bring down the price of groceries, especially eggs. The latter is due to other factors like a couple of diseases that are spreading through US farms. Let’s see how well their agriculture industry does this spring with less health inspectors and migrant farm workers.

We can commiserate with the folks who warned about the eventual outcome if he and his Project 2025 supporters won the 2024 election.

We can commiserate from Canada, the True North Strong and Free by watching the analysis through level-headed journalists and sharp-witted comedians.

Even our weekly Cross Country Checkup call-in show on CBC is asking Canadians “How has Trump changed the way you feel about Canada?”

Dahm. I feel more love and support for my country, its flag, its farmers, manufacturers and retailers who have answered consumers’ calls to boycott US companies and travel locations. Unfortunately, this will affect the livelihood of American workers. Those US citizens who voted for the current regime are likely kicking themselves in the arse and hiding their red baseball caps.

The next couple of months are going to be interesting as we watch from the sidelines while munching metaphorical popcorn.

Sorry not sorry.