Betty
As you all probably know, Ann and I had a rough day yesterday. We had our lovely little Basement Cat, Betty, put down. I tell you, we just cried and cried.
And the early part of the week was a physical and emotional challenge, as well, as we turned out a large community quilt for Cedwyn in record time. We were so glad to have accomplished that task! But we are both still catching up on sleep and fending off a cold. And while making Cedwyn's quilt, we missed the memorial service for another dear friend, Mark Lewis, who died suddenly in early December from a blood clot after a minor surgery. Here, the fickle finger of fate had a little synchronicity going on for us, for Mark was one of the emcees of the Faerieworld festivals that Cedwyn adores attending -- and she knew him, too. We knew that Mark would have wanted us to get her quilt done -- that was a no brainer -- but still, all the connections seemed to be kind of numinous in feeling, if you know what I mean.
Mark Lewis as the emcee of the Pirate Festival in Portland, OR
That leads me to a general topic for conversation for tonight -- how do you take care of yourself when fate hands you things that can make you blue or stressed? All of us can use tips in that department, I am sure. Life is what it is and challenges will always be there. Where we can improve things is not in avoiding challenges (they will always find you!) but in finding some inner equilibrium to ride them out with better balance.
Last night, we lit candles, listened to soft music, and I had a glass of wine. Then we watched a funny Bollywood movie. While eating chocolate.
Tonight, I'll have a hot bath before bed.
What do you do to take care of yourself in times of stress? I am all ears!
Please come in, share your day, your weekend plans, and anything else that is on your mind. You are among friends.
Kitchen Table Kibitzing is a community series for those who wish to share part of the evening around a virtual kitchen table with kossacks who are caring and supportive of one another. So bring your stories, jokes, photos, funny pics, music, and interesting videos, as well as links—including quotations—to diaries, news stories, and books that you think this community would appreciate. Readers may notice that most who post diaries and comments in this series already know one another to some degree, but newcomers should not feel excluded. We welcome guests at our kitchen table, and hope to make some new friends as well.