I’m emerging from a self-imposed funk, and I started to write about all the racist, sexist bullshit things that are pissing me off right now, but once I go down that rabbit hole, it’s hard to climb back out. I’ll just say this. I don’t believe in conspiracy theories, but from what I’ve seen, we’d be better off if about half of the country is replaced. Bring it on.
Buffalo sent me over the edge, but I’m creeping back toward the middle now. Trying to focus on simple pleasures. Things I can control such as my body (but that’s only because I don’t have a uterus).
Oops, there I go again. Back to our regular programming.
As an avid golfer, I couldn’t wait to retire because I read somewhere you get better and better if you practice and play a lot. I’m a decent golfer, but after a few years of playing three times a week, I’m not much better than when I played twice a month. I must have missed the part that said, “Individual Results May Vary.”
This week I made the momentous decision to cut one day off my weekly golf schedule. And in the end, it really has nothing to do with how well I play. Golf is a time-sucker, and there’s too much competition on the hobby front – swimming, walking, cooking, reading, writing and making art. Oh, and I just signed up for the free version of Duolingo to learn Spanish.
The pool at the club where I swim laps is finally warm enough to swim without a thermal top. Without all that weighing me down, I felt like Flipper! I never could find a one-piece that fit, so I ended up buying these tops at Lululemon. They’re not swimsuits per se, but they work great for those of us who have had a mastectomy without reconstruction. I pair them with basic bottoms from Target.
Today is Dale’s birthday, so he’s making fajitas. I was willing to cook, but that’s what he wanted, and fajitas are his thing. I did make cheesecake! We both love it, but sometimes I think we just need a batch of graham cracker crust now and then. I’m thinking about waffles for tomorrow morning. I like this recipe from King Arthur. You can make the batter ahead and refrigerate it overnight.
I’ve been kind of burned out on streaming shows, although the new Bosch series is great. If you like seriously twisted crime fiction, I recommend The Turnout by Megan Abbott. It’s about a family of ballet dancers, and she does for ballet what she did for cheerleaders in Dare Me. It’s all sick and wrong, but that’s why you read Megan Abbott.
On a more pleasant note, I read the first two in a series of Victorian mysteries by Tasha Alexander featuring Lady Emily Ashton. They are a tad tame for me, but I liked them a lot and will probably read the rest. I’m not proud, but I have Tina Brown’s new book about the royals on reserve at the library. The Palace Papers – looks like she dishes on just about everyone, and for some reason, that appeals to me at this moment in time.
I updated the gallery to include my last two pieces, Number 26 and Number 27. I couldn’t be happier to have discovered the joys of art later in life. With the time I’m getting back by skipping a day of golf, I think I’m going to visit Dick Blick and see what that’s all about. I’ve never been, although I do order from them online.
For many of us, it’s hard to stay positive, yet I somehow manage (for the most part). I’m reminded of the late musician Leonard Cohen, who said, “I’ve studied all the philosophies and all the theologies, but cheerfulness keeps breaking through!”
Your comment on not getting better at golf made me laugh!
Sad but true!
I suspect you have a lot of company regarding your observations, thoughts and frustrations regarding what’s going on in the US and much of the world today.
Making art, making things, making, is a cure for many things, as well as a way to develop a different aspect of ourselves.
And if you want a feel good book about being a woman where for the most part the odds are stacked for you rather than against you, read Eliza Reid’s Secrets of the Sprakkar: Iceland’s Extraordinary Women and How They Are Changing the World. Eliza Reid is Canadian born who met and married an Icelander. He later was voted in as President of Iceland, which is more akin to being a figurehead than being in charge of the country. Although it’s impossible to extrapolate small countries’ systems and ideals into this sprawling, disjointed, tribal nation of ours, it’s good to know that there are places like Iceland out there. I would never make it in their climate, otherwise I’d be on the next plane out.
Thanks for the book recommendation. I’ll add it to the list! I wouldn’t survive in that climate, either.
Love the look of number 26 🙂
I know what you mean about rabbit holes of despair which are so hard to climb out of. So much going on in the world right now that it’s all too easy for that to happen. I had a blip earlier this year and realised I’d slipped from maintaining my “keep depression at bay” routine, so have thrown myself right back into it again. And a few days of decent weekend weather and time out taking pictures have all helped.
Love the Leonard Cohen line 😀 I have a clip of my granddaughter making her little brother laugh on repeat – that breaks through pretty much everything!
It is funny how a little nice weather can lift despair. We ate outside on the patio for my husband’s birthday, and it’s amazing how such a simple thing helps. The granddaughter making her little brother laugh sounds perfect.
Getting enough distraction is key! I tend to get the blues easily, so a bit light entertainment is always welcome. I followed a bit the trial of Johnny Depp/Amber Heard which had it’s funny elements. The highlight was “A Megapint of Wine” and “Isn’t it Happy Hour all the Time?”. It’s like Bavarian Bauerntheater.
Donna, if you’re still looking for an on piece swimsuit: have a look at the ERES site. I have the “Aquarelle” since about 10 years. Great fit and w/o bra inside. Although I admit, that I was shocked about how pricey they are now!
I haven’t followed much of the Depp/Heard trial, except to wonder if they deserve each other. I do love the megapint meme. Light entertainment is much needed! I think that’s why I want to read the book about the royals and all their bad behaviors.
Those swimsuits look amazing, but at those prices, I’d hate to dip it in chlorine. Still, I plan to spend some time looking them over. Thanks for the recommendation.
I sooooo related to your golf experience. A few years ago I joined a woman’s bowling league, just for the fun of it. I had one of the lowest averages of the entire group, around 105. Three years later I still had the same adverage, even after TONS and TONS of advice and some extra lessons. I eventually stopped going.
I’m beginning to think we’ve already demonstrated what talent we have. I still enjoy the game and have the occasional fabulous round, so I can’t see quitting.
I know what you mean about finding time for all the hobbies. I struggle with that every day, in addition to just getting the chores around the house done. I try to balance them all out, but that doesn’t always work. I guess it doesn’t really matter, though, does it? I do what makes me happy each day. That’s the beauty of retirement!!
Exactly. I’m happy to have so many interests. Chores are my least favorite — duh.