Rocks

I began painting rocks as I waited to see what Hurricane Barry was going to do. Ever since Katrina, I get pretty anxious when a storm is coming my way. And I do best when I can find something to do with my hands. 

I used to watercolor during these times, but due to neuromuscular and nerve issues, I no longer have the kind of control necessary to watercolor the way I want to. I do collage, but I do not have the space to continue to make and store this kind of work.

So, I decided to try painting rocks. I figure small ones can be used as paperweights, and larger ones can be put in flower beds or used as doorstops. I use what is called "patio paint" and I add a coat of varnish so that they can live outside. 

My 90-year-old friend, Ruth Gay loves to go with me and put these little rocks in planters, small landscaped areas in front of local establishments, and special ones by mailboxes for friends and family. We are careful not to put them where they might interfere with mowing or be a hazard to anyone. 

I was a little hesitant to put the word out about my rocks on the Vicksburg Facebook page. I was a bit afraid that folks might think me crazier than I already am. But, I have not only received positive responses, but I was also invited to join a "rock group" on FB where people paint and hide rocks around town to be taken and "re-hidden" elsewhere. I will definitely be joining in this fun! 

Happy rock hunting!

I'm a Survivor

I'm not going to go into all the things in my life that I have survived. To quote Sweet Brown "Ain't nobody got time for that!" 

For a while, I allowed myself to be a victim. I refrained from living my life to the fullest because I was afraid that something else would happen. 

Therapy taught me to be assertive. It taught me to stop feeling sorry for myself. I was getting nowhere seeing myself as a victim. 

I also learned how not to continue to be a victim. I began to walk away from people and situations that were no longer healthy for me. This is still difficult for me at times, but I am able to recognize hopeless situations more quickly. And I choose not to beat my head against a wall trying to stay in them. 

There was a time when the last word I would have used for myself was strong. 

But I am a survivor. If I am knocked down, I will get up.

I am strong. 

Learning

In two months, I will be 60 years old. Preparing to hit this milestone has been a cause for some reflection about how I want to live the rest of the time I have remaining to me. I am especially mindful of the fact that so many loved ones, especially my mother who died at age 57, were not afforded the luxury of growing old. 

One of the things I have learned it that is it OK to walk away sometimes. Being retired, there are very few situations that I cannot walk away from if they become toxic, tiring, or unrewarding. 

As a person with multiple chronic illnesses, my energy is severely limited. I remain constantly chagrined that I cannot do a quarter of the things I used to. I have to set my priorities with care and put my energy where it can do the most good for me and the things I care about. 

There are some new chapters that may be coming up in my life soon. I may have to turn some pages to embrace these new adventures.