Valerean

With my nephew moving out, my daughter now coming for an extended visit, and my guy needing minor surgery, as well as a project I need to finish for my day job, my quiet life is suddenly becoming very chaotic. Pressure mounts as I try to manage the additional tasks as well as everyone's expectations of me. This time, however, a lot has changed in my ability to do so, thanks to some changes I've made in how I perceive and address the expectations of others. Actions versus Expectations: As always I do what I can, but I no longer overextend myself, especially while others who create the work for me stand by doing nothing and/or criticize me for not satisfying their requirements. I am not a machine. Nor do I beat myself up if I can't make them happy. That's their problem, not mine. Calming Meditation: I have a new habit in the mornings, in that I'm choosing a spiritual teaching to focus on that day, and also to meditate on as I walk the dogs or do my chores....

I do like stories about mythological foxes, and used one in a project for work, so when I saw the clever cover art for Yangsze Choo's The Fox Wife I had to invest in a new copy. This turned out to be a very good way to spend book money. The historical fantasy story begins in 1908 China, and told from two points of view: Bao, an older detective investigating a strange death, and Snow, a shape shifting fox who wants revenge for her murdered child. At first I wasn't sure I'd like it -- the fox's grief and the detective's rapidly declining health both seemed depressing and dark -- but the story does capture and hold the attention by not focusing on either but absorbing you into their adventures. Eventually Bao and Snow meet, and then everything they have been chasing comes to an unusual climax that is unexpectedly upbeat. Upsides: The writing is beautiful, spare, and wonderfully experienced. This may be the author's third novel but she writes like she...

Last week I woke up right before sunrise, thanks to Shadow, who can't stand to let me sleep in. Since I wasn't all that tired I got up to let the dogs out, and saw an unusual sight: the sky beginning to turn lavender. I can't remember ever seeing a lavender sky at sunrise, so I decided to take some pics. Only the first one really showed the color, and only when I boosted the color saturation to 75%. I've always tried to remember to look at the sky, which for me is a metaphor for the self, at least a couple times every day. In a sense I was as lavender in the moment as the sky was. Lavender is a gentle, quiet, soothing color to me. Lavender and chamomile are my favorite calming tea blend. The color is not as in your face as purple, or as dark as violet, but softer and much more serene. Seeing this lovely sunrise left me feeling calmer and more peaceful, which is a wonderful way to start the day. As I walked back to my home office I wondered how many o...

Last weekend my guy and I were able to go to the Classic Car Show in Daytona Beach, and saw some gorgeous vehicles. A 64 Impala (my first car) brought back lots of frustrated parking memories -- it still looks like a boat! and there were some awesome customized beauties, too. To admire what we saw, check out my photo album here.

This year summer begins on June 21st, which at the time this post publishes will be nine days away. Summer is my favorite season of the year for many reasons, including all the lovely green growing things, the long days, the rain storms that often lull me to sleep, and yes, the heat. I grew up in South Florida where there are hot temperatures basically year-round, and the heat of summer is the only time of year that feels comfortable to me. I don't know exactly when I began looking forward to summer so much every year, but it was probably because of school ending. I did not like school at all, so I was always beyond happy for summer vacation. Three months of being able to go to the library when I wanted, ride my bike when I wanted, and play in the park were better than Christmas for me. Almost better than Halloween, too. :) We used to go to the beach most often in summer, and I miss that terribly. This year I want to go as often as possible with my guy. The beach i...

While at the antique mall where my donated throws were being sold I saw this pretty portait of a frog made out of beads, brooches, necklaces and other bling, and had to take a photo of it. This artist is so clever with how they recycle vintage jewelry and findings into new art. That day this little guy came home with me. He was cheap, made from a very old crazy quilt, very shabby, and has a serene quality that primitives sometimes possess. He'll be hanging out with me in the sewing room. Was it necessary to buy this? Nope. Do I regret the purchase? Nope. I also bought this apothecary jar filled with buttons, threads and other wonders. If you want to sort through it with me, check out more pics here .