Thanks to a WordPress “classic material” prompt this morning, here is an update:
Servant Woman no more. Farewell, Miss Kitteh. I now enjoy the company of the neighbour’s Cat when she visits our yard. She is a nervous, elusive creature.
The neighbours’ Cat drops by for a visit and a drink of water
Working stiff no more.Retiree on a reduced income with moderate volunteer responsibilities. Sometimes it feels like a part-time job with online and in-person meetings. I really enjoy my volunteer shifts at the local library; it gets me out of the house.
Colourful poster for the Summer Reading Club at the local library
Still a bus persononly when I choose to commute out of our walkable community. I really must get out for early morning walks again.
The world is still a mess due to immoral, corrupt dick-tators and their greedy, incompetent minions. The USA is losing international respect. Canada has picked up some middle power trade allies though. Thanks, PM Carney.
I am still trying to remain patient and kind although my tolerance level for noise and nonsense is getting low. I still retreat to my screens and the wee garden. I like to watch things grow.
Zucchini, Tomato and Green Bean plants watched over by the garden owl
Thanks for dropping by. If you can be anything these days, please be kind.
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?
Welcome interest in new endeavours but moderate your energy and attention;
Resist comparing your art work with others’;
Continue being a creative type on your own terms;
Use that letter from your GP to get tested for the autism spectrum.
Thanks for stopping by. How are your creative pursuits going?
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.
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).
Deep Blonde Thoughts 