22 Monday Dec 2025
Posted in creativity, family, Health, pets
I haven’t been feeling creative or joyful since November, after saying goodbye to our 20 year-old cat, holding her furry little body until the final heartbeat.
Inspiration may return after the holidays and in the hopeful beginnings of 2026.
T
08 Monday Sep 2025
Tags
Art, autism spectrum, community, creative reset, doodles, drawing, expression, neurodivergence, painting, summer cold, therapy
“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.
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!
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?
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?
Thanks for stopping by. How are your creative pursuits going?
T
18 Monday Aug 2025
Tags
Art, August, birthdays, Canada, cats, celebrations, community, creativity, fart walk, health, heatwaves, income, meals, Ottawa, pension, retirement, Rotary, seniors, summer, Walking
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.
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.
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.
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
Deep Blonde Thoughts 