This page is an easy way to find my blog posts that are about life, philosophy, and things that bug me. You know, none of that ranch, pet, and nature stuff.
Book Report: Phosphorescence
My husband, Lee, heard some people talking about this book on one of his podcasts, so he ordered it for me as a Christmas present. He said it just sounded like something I’d enjoy, and he was right! I’m so glad to have come across Phosphorescence: A Memoir of Finding Joy When Your World Goes … Continue reading “Book Report: Phosphorescence”
Knittin’ and Readin’ and Regerts
Today it is windy as all heck. All my chairs, all the barrels in the horse area, and everything else that isn’t tied down has blown to new and interesting locations. Lee and I had tried to put together a storage shed yesterday, and placed it against a wall, where we thought it would be … Continue reading “Knittin’ and Readin’ and Regerts”
Today Did Not Go As Planned
It hasn’t been an ideal day for anyone in my house, and I’ll just say that this is not a great time to participate in the health care system. So, no one slept last night. Of course I had a 7am meeting, which ended up being the highlight of my day. And it was so … Continue reading “Today Did Not Go As Planned”
Book Report: Atlas of the Heart
Here’s the review of Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience, by Brené Brown (2021) that I promised recently. I think I am growing tired of self-help books or something, because this one didn’t impress me as much as some others I’ve read. There were good parts to this … Continue reading “Book Report: Atlas of the Heart”
Feeling a New Feeling
Two things have happened that are a fortuitous coincidence. One is my son and his partner moving nearby. The other is reading Brené Brown’s latest book, Atlas of the Heart. The book seems sorta silly in concept. It’s a list of definitions of human emotions. Apparently many people can only identify three emotions: happy, sad, … Continue reading “Feeling a New Feeling”
Moving on from the Alottest Year
A Facebook friend named Melissa, who went through so much this year, just summed up 2021 as the “alottest” year, because everything has been a lot. The lowest lows, very high highs. Hope and despair. Sure, every year has good and bad; that’s life. But wow, my head is spinning as I reflect back. So, … Continue reading “Moving on from the Alottest Year”
Two Truths: We Need to Learn This
Last weekend, as I was driving home from my Drew lesson, I listened to an episode of Hidden Brain, by Shankar Vedantam. I’m so glad I did, because the story he shared, gently and neutrally, made the point that I’ve been slowly and painfully trying to articulate for the past few years: More than one … Continue reading “Two Truths: We Need to Learn This”
Shiny and Strange Things, for Christi
I started work extra early today, so I got to stop before the pre-solstice sunset caught up with me. It had rained and misted much of the day, but the late-afternoon sun was shyly peeking out from the clouds. It turned the ranch into a jewel box of shining droplets hanging from every fence, blade … Continue reading “Shiny and Strange Things, for Christi”
Book Report: Anything Is Possible
Here’s one more Elizabeth Strout book. This is not exactly a sequel, but it builds upon the events and actors in My Name Is Lucy Barton. Anything Is Possible impressed me, because it has the same people in it, but is a completely different type of book than the book about Lucy. Here, you hear … Continue reading “Book Report: Anything Is Possible”
Y’all Won’t Believe THIS Coincidence
Do you remember reading about how much fun I had just wandering around Breckenridge, Colorado day before yesterday? And do you remember that I got very excited when I walked through a residential area and saw that a house had a big bird feeder and I hung around there trying to get photos of the … Continue reading “Y’all Won’t Believe THIS Coincidence”
A Rusty Tarot Reading
This may or may not surprise you, but those of you who actually know me remember that I have worked with tarot cards for many years. I find them very helpful for clarifying my thinking, figuring out trends, and learning about other people. In fact, this blog and our ranch, The Hermits’ Rest, is a … Continue reading “A Rusty Tarot Reading”
Imagining the Future
I know I’m supposed to be living in the moment right now, but just for a few minutes let me digress and think about the future. Lee and I took a walk this evening and were looking around with the dogs and everything her. The sun was so beautiful in the sky as it was … Continue reading “Imagining the Future”
Still Competent
I will tell you what feels strange, but good. That would be having meetings with your supervisor and her boss in which both said what a great meeting it was and what good work you’re doing. It had been a couple of years since that happened. Nice. It’s amazing how feeling competent can affect your … Continue reading “Still Competent”
Does Your Subconscious Try to Sabotage You?
As you know, I started a new job a couple of weeks ago, consulting at Dell on the software I worked with at the previous job. The new job features a very smart team, some fun clients to work with, and a reasonable and kind boss. These are all good things! I’ve completed a couple … Continue reading “Does Your Subconscious Try to Sabotage You?”
You Pay a Price for Being Yourself
This was written sort of without editing. I’m glad I have a place to mull over my thoughts, even ones I will find silly tomorrow after some sleep. Suna the self absorbed (yet another put-down label; maybe that should be introspective) I’ve been thinking and thinking about a meme I saw earlier this week. It’s … Continue reading “You Pay a Price for Being Yourself”
Why I Didn’t Want to Leave My Job but Left Anyway
It came as a surprise to some folks that I took a new position after being at one place for such a long time. To others, it came as a relief, no doubt. But to be honest, I really wanted to stay at my current employer. I just wasn’t a great fit for what I … Continue reading “Why I Didn’t Want to Leave My Job but Left Anyway”
A Surprise from Suna
Folks, it’s been a very long and very hard week for your resident blogger, but the good news is that Suna is here, has met her challenges and come out on the other side with her pride and self esteem intact. That’s really, really good news. I can generically shared that I got some quite … Continue reading “A Surprise from Suna”
Go Away Anxiety. I Need a Nap.
When you’ve been graced with a genetic predisposition to anxiety, you can meditate, breathe, do talk therapy, and take helpful medicine all you want, but still have days when you can’t deal with the symptoms. I woke up that way today. I was dealing with my personal “stuff” fine yesterday, but since I woke up … Continue reading “Go Away Anxiety. I Need a Nap.”
Maturity: The Older You Are the Less You Knew
Yesterday’s walk down memory lane got me to thinking about how I felt about myself at different points in my life. I can remember standing in the middle of a pine woods in Gainesville Florida, where freshmen could park their cars, and crying my head off because I felt like there was too much knowledge … Continue reading “Maturity: The Older You Are the Less You Knew”
What Counts as a Journal?
I know, I know, whatever you think is a journal will count as a journal. But Lee and I were talking about our journals. One of us said, “I’m down to just one journal.” Then they (I) realized that nope, there was something else the probably counted as a journal, and hmm, maybe something other … Continue reading “What Counts as a Journal?”
Minor Miracles
One of the things I’m most grateful for is that little miracles keep popping up in life, and they keep me moving forward with a good attitude. Yesterday was filled with these wondrous occurrences. The first one was so many people reading the blog the last couple of days. I guess tagging a post “death” … Continue reading “Minor Miracles”
Life, Death, and the Little Things
First, thanks to all of you who sent me kind words yesterday as I talked about how my friend Terry’s passing made me feel. She was one of the people I talked about in my post Welcoming Death and Treasuring Lives, which I also published in our Friends of La Leche League newsletter, Continuum, in … Continue reading “Life, Death, and the Little Things”
Quick Hello
I’m not able to write much, due to not only work and figuring out all this moving stuff, but also because I’m sad. A good friend from my volunteer past, Terry Stafford, died a few days ago from a stomach cancer that came on fast and hard. That’s the one that seems to hit people … Continue reading “Quick Hello”
Say Thank You to Your Word Processing Software
Today Lee was unpacking stuff from our old Austin house, you know, the stuff I just couldn’t get to in all the time we lived at the Bobcat Lair, now officially known as Anita’s House of 300 Boxes. (She is ready to move out soon as she can.) Anyway, Lee found a true gem, a … Continue reading “Say Thank You to Your Word Processing Software”
What’s the Most Embarrassing Thing YOU Did Today?
Sometimes, when there’s a perceived need, you do something spontaneously that you later look back on and say to yourself, “Well, THAT was an embarrassing moment!” And that happened to me today. It was one of those intense days at work. I’d gotten tired of waiting for help on a couple of diversity and equity … Continue reading “What’s the Most Embarrassing Thing YOU Did Today?”
Letting Go
How good are you at just letting go of things? I’m not talking about physical things, where you ate on the continuum between hoarding and extreme minimalism. I mean mental stuff, from past hurts and disappointments to things going on right now. How are you doing with that? Now, are you getting better or worse … Continue reading “Letting Go”
Helpful Little Mantras
Do you have little things you tell yourself whenever the things people do totally baffle you? I was just thinking today how many of those I have been accumulating on my journey not to take on other people’s issues, burdens, or problems. I’m sure you’ve heard this one: Not my circus, not my monkeys Lately … Continue reading “Helpful Little Mantras”
Why I Don’t Wear Shorts
What, a person in Texas who doesn’t wear shorts? Yep, that’s me. I do own some, but I rarely wear them. I’d started wearing them around the house, but after this morning, that’s a big “no” from now on. Today, as I was getting dressed, I said to myself that no one was going to … Continue reading “Why I Don’t Wear Shorts”
Mentoring Is Scary
I’ve had more than one conversation on the topic of mentoring in the past couple of weeks, starting with the Lisa Eggerton talk they had at work. The general consensus is that “mentor” is rather off-putting for lots of people. When someone asks to be your mentor, you start to imagine having to have regular … Continue reading “Mentoring Is Scary”
The Past Is a Blast
The past is a blast of what, you ask? It’s more like a punch to the gut sometimes and it sure makes it hard to slog through to the future, if you aren’t careful. I’ve been trying to let go of things, but it’s sometimes more successful than other times. Today I canceled a lot … Continue reading “The Past Is a Blast”
Judgy Judgy Judgy
People are so darned judgmental. I know we’re wired to be that way, but why does it seem like so few people are even TRYING to let go of that? So many folks feel compelled to be all like, “I’m not normally judgmental BUT it affects me, so judge, judge judge.” In the past week … Continue reading “Judgy Judgy Judgy”
Do You Have What You Need?
It’s yet another transition time in my life, as a lot of Anita’s stuff got loaded into a trailer and headed out to Cameron. We’re both very grateful to the guys who did all the heavy lifting, which combined with all the stairs makes for a long hot day. We’re getting ready to put the … Continue reading “Do You Have What You Need?”
Welcoming Deaths and Treasuring Lives
It’s an interesting time for me, when it comes to life passages. While I’m fine and not going through a life change, I am privileged to know people who are heading toward the end of their time on this earth, as well as people who are honoring lives of loved ones whose spirits left before … Continue reading “Welcoming Deaths and Treasuring Lives”
Corporate Life. Not for Wimps. So, Sweat It Out.
Today was by far the hardest day in the almost 10 years I’ve been at my corporate job. I know perfectly well that reorganization and layoffs are part of the standard operating procedure, especially in a company that’s growing and acquiring companies. But it’s people who are involved. So you just hurt when it happens … Continue reading “Corporate Life. Not for Wimps. So, Sweat It Out.”
Go with the Flow
It’s been one of those days. Everything I tried to do so far has required at least one more step than I initially thought it would. I’m pretty darned proud of myself that I haven’t let it get to me and mostly just laughed at myself. When I got to the Austin office, my headphones … Continue reading “Go with the Flow”
AI Thinks I’m a Dude
Recently, I was talking to one of my old friends about being mistaken for a man. It happens to her fairly often, depending on how she’s dressed, since she is not shaped like the stereotypical Barbie-doll person, has short hair, often dresses androgynously, and is blessed with a deep voice (one of my favorite former … Continue reading “AI Thinks I’m a Dude”
Proud of Pride: Remembering the Other Gay 90s
Since I am the hyper-volunteer that I am, I’ve been helping out with the PRIDE employee resource group where I work, as part of our diversity and inclusion initiative. Not surprisingly, you meet gay people in such groups. I’ve made a new friend there, who lives in Seattle and works at a company we recently … Continue reading “Proud of Pride: Remembering the Other Gay 90s”
Learning to Be an Ally of My BIPOC Friends
Today my head’s all full of learning, because I attended the Texas Master Naturalist program’s latest in the Be the Change series, which is a part of our diversity and inclusion initiative. The things I learned completely dovetailed with some of the things I’ve been observing and thinking about in my time in South Carolina, … Continue reading “Learning to Be an Ally of My BIPOC Friends”
Sartorial Strategies
Here’s a quick one for you. Have you ever just been standing around, waiting in a line or a queue, when something about yourself hits you like a lightning bolt? I have, and it happened this morning when I was checking out and back in for another couple of days in South Carolina (more on … Continue reading “Sartorial Strategies”
What’s My Problem?
My brain is not working, that’s my problem. Somehow, I’ve allowed myself to fall into a pretty deep hole of depression, low self esteem, or hyper-protectiveness to where anything I try to do that even remotely resembles work is a huge hurdle. Anything that has drama, misunderstandings, unkind behavior and the like makes me want … Continue reading “What’s My Problem?”
Pancakes: The Odd Thing about South Carolina Dining Out
Yeah, many towns look exactly alike, with the same stores, same shopping areas, and same restaurants. But, still, you can find interesting local differences if you pay attention. Here are some random things we’ve been noticing in South Carolina. A Pancake and Waffle Obsession Apparently, these are most beloved. Photo by @lorenklein via Twenty20 There … Continue reading “Pancakes: The Odd Thing about South Carolina Dining Out”
What Did I Want to Do When I Grew Up?
Hello from the road to South Carolina. I love road trips. You can sure think a lot. You can also knit a lot. I’ve actually arrived at the end of the pattern I’m making, but because I’m using different yarn and needles, I’m going to repeat the lace pattern. I have plenty of yarn left. … Continue reading “What Did I Want to Do When I Grew Up?”
From the Pit to the Pinnacle
Whew. This has been a weird-ass week. I was really pessimistic about work over the weekend, and Monday I found out some changes were happening, right when I was supposed to be gearing up to contribute to an initiative. But, I wrote myself that perky pushback post, read some of my other messages to myself, … Continue reading “From the Pit to the Pinnacle”
You Can Choose to Do Nothing or You Can Push Back
One of my activist friends, Jonathan K. Horstman, had a social action campaign a few years ago, focused on not just sitting around and watching our communities deteriorate. It was called [PUSHBACK] and I liked the idea and what his team was doing. While he’s off doing other great things in the community (as well … Continue reading “You Can Choose to Do Nothing or You Can Push Back”
Humor Is Your Buddy
Thanks for the kind words about my stress dreams and such. I’m honestly okay with having some extra-anxiety-filled times occasionally, just as long as I have some extra-chill time to balance all that out. And I generally do! I share a lot of my fun times and relaxing, so I hope you know I’m not … Continue reading “Humor Is Your Buddy”
Stress Dreams: A Cry for Help You Can’t Answer
One thing that becomes clear to me is that if I try to squish down stressful situations and pretend they don’t affect me, my anxious brain has its own ways to beg to differ. It’s all well and good to consciously remind yourself that the only things you should concern yourself with are things you … Continue reading “Stress Dreams: A Cry for Help You Can’t Answer”
Unconscious Bias? Just Ask Marcus Aurelius
My spouse, Lee, has been studying Stoicism for the past year or two. He really enjoys The Daily Stoic podcast, by Ryan Holiday, who happens to be my boss’s best friend. Small world! Who knew? Holiday has a new book of meditations out, with new translations of the Stoics into modern English by Stephen Hanselman. … Continue reading “Unconscious Bias? Just Ask Marcus Aurelius”
A Little Free Library with a Lesson for Us All
You know, I talk a lot about assuming good intentions and treating others as you’d like to be treated (or as they let you know THEY would like to be treated). What’s GREAT is when I see this in action. Today I share a story from someone I’ve always admired. We can learn from her. … Continue reading “A Little Free Library with a Lesson for Us All”
No, You’re Not Responsible for the Happiness of Others
Here is a post where I lecture myself and remind myself of how one of my personality features bites me in the butt, repeatedly, for the same dang thing. It’s bugging me so much that I’ve started writing my own passive aggressive memes about it. I put a picture of Fiona enjoying Johnson grass under … Continue reading “No, You’re Not Responsible for the Happiness of Others”
Mowing, Controversy, and More Horse Stuff
I was trying to create a funny essay yesterday when I wrote about our property not being mowed yet, but it sparked some Facebook controversy. Some people were thrilled and others were appalled that we were doing it. I don’t know why I was surprised, since mowing is always controversial! Like so many things out … Continue reading “Mowing, Controversy, and More Horse Stuff”
Summertime Is Coming and the Chickens Are Laying
I hear y’all like my ranchy stories, so here’s what excitement greeted me when I got back to the ranch today. Since no one had picked up eggs, the first thing I did was check the top of the garage fridge. There were at least three eggs per hen, but 5 white ones. Little Henley … Continue reading “Summertime Is Coming and the Chickens Are Laying”
Ways We Cope with Stress: Featuring Plants
Because I’m so darned introspective, I’ve been examining how I cope with stress these days. I find that I can only handle a subset of the priorities I could before, and I avoid duties that appear like they’ll bring on more stress. That’s how I’m coping now, to the detriment of a couple of projects. … Continue reading “Ways We Cope with Stress: Featuring Plants”
I Am Woman, Hear My Woe
A Story of Empathy and Imagined Equality No, I’m not particularly full of woe, but for the past few days I’ve been metaphorically girding my loins, knowing that a tale of woe is coming. Wow, I’ve listened a lot the past few days. The thing is, every single person venting, lamenting, kvetching, or sniffling is … Continue reading “I Am Woman, Hear My Woe”
I Can’t Muster Up Schadenfreude
Wow. I’m not saying I’m a saint who never has bad thoughts about others, but when presented an actual opportunity to experience some good old schadenfreude, roll around in it, wallow for a while, and maybe even gloat, I find I can’t dredge it up. Let me share what happened, as vaguely as I can. … Continue reading “I Can’t Muster Up Schadenfreude”
Knowing Your Issues Doesn’t Fix Everything, Nor Should It!
As always, things are changing in my life. One of the changes anticipated for this year is that Anita and I will need to move out of the Bobcat Lair house in Austin. That’s sad, because we really love the setting, the house, and most of all, the neighbors. But, the cost of just paying … Continue reading “Knowing Your Issues Doesn’t Fix Everything, Nor Should It!”
Curbing Your Anti-racist Enthusiasm
Wait, wait, I’m not going to tell anyone not to continue in their work to fight racism, point it out when they see it, or work on their own behavior and bias with regard to race. Nope, nope, that’s not where I’m going. But, I do want to share some insights I’ve been having as … Continue reading “Curbing Your Anti-racist Enthusiasm”
Book Report: Everyday Bias
Did you think I was finished with unconscious bias books? You’d be almost right. I just have this one more book to talk about before I move on to books about diversity and inclusion. Totally different, yep. This one’s really good, though, even though it talks about many of the same topics as the previous … Continue reading “Book Report: Everyday Bias”
A Lifetime Milestone, and Why It Matters
Yesterday, I achieved a milestone that was a long time coming. In fact, it was one of my “life goals” since I was a small child, and something I never thought I’d be able to do. On the surface, going over to the barn, saddling up my horse, and going for a nice ride doesn’t … Continue reading “A Lifetime Milestone, and Why It Matters”
How’s That Podcast Coming Along?
Today I was telling the story of skunks and escaping horses, and someone said, “You need to have some kind of ranch adventures blog or podcast!” “Um, I do,” I said, and said to go look up The Hermits’ Rest. I actually saw people write it down. So, it appears that I have not been … Continue reading “How’s That Podcast Coming Along?”
To Troll or Not to Troll?
That’s my question for this first morning of spring, should I keep up with what appears to be a new undertaking for me, trolling with kindness? What the heck do I mean by that, anyway? Well, the book I just finished, Blind Spot, made it quite clear that humans are hard-wired to participate in us … Continue reading “To Troll or Not to Troll?”
Helplessly Hoping
Oh, my friends, this anniversary of the pandemic lockdowns has not led to a bunch of happy, hopeful humans in my little world. The people who are struggling to maintain their equilibrium are just not doing it. And even those of us who’ve been keeping our heads above water feel like we are sinking. The … Continue reading “Helplessly Hoping”
Dreaming of Hugs
I’m in Austin this week, and my cul-de-sac neighbors held one of their happy hours to say belated happy birthday to me. We met in a driveway on a windy evening and had a nice time chatting and catching up. One of our main conversation topics was how far along we are with our COVID-19 … Continue reading “Dreaming of Hugs”
What? Podcasting?
First, I’ll get this out of the way. I’ve decided to do a podcast to go along with this blog, since a lot of people would rather listen than read (like my husband). Some posts will work better than others. I’m still working out the kinks (like adding a consistent intro and ending blurb, but … Continue reading “What? Podcasting?”
Must Surnames Be Sir-names?
This just POPPED into my head a few days ago. It’s not like I never thought about it before, since it was discussed a LOT in the 1980s among my grad school friends in linguistics and English. In Western society, the tradition for the past number of hundreds of years has been that women took … Continue reading “Must Surnames Be Sir-names?”
I’m Still Thinking about the Effects of Labels for Mental Illness and Disability
Every once in a while, a subject gets into my head and just stays there, gnawing away at my free time and causing me to think and think. The topic of how often we refer to negative things in terms once used to describe people living with disabilities or mental illnesses just won’t go away. … Continue reading “I’m Still Thinking about the Effects of Labels for Mental Illness and Disability”
Emotional Maturity Thoughts
Ooh, scary, I’m back to my deep thoughts again. You can blame my friend Louise, who is always sharing thought-provoking content. Or you can THANK Louise, after you read this! Come to think of it, though, a lot of my “musing” posts (which you can find in the Rants and Ramblings section of this blog) … Continue reading “Emotional Maturity Thoughts”
Let’s Also Stop with the Fat Shaming
Content warning: discusses weight issues, bullying, and put-downs; also mentions diets Oh, let me tell you, I’ve had enough of this one. My fat shaming began at Day 1 of life when everyone apparently laughed and laughed when I drank two bottles of formula (not the modern stuff, either) right after birth. Well, you would … Continue reading “Let’s Also Stop with the Fat Shaming”
Let’s Talk about Disability Talk
As you may be aware, I’m on a big kick to learn about my own unconscious biases, and as a former linguist, I’m very interested in how the language I use reflects these biases. I have already been thinking a lot about issues with and labels for neuroatypical folks, since they apply to many of … Continue reading “Let’s Talk about Disability Talk”
Fascinating Feedback (and Lack Thereof)
Yesterday, I dared to propose that it is a good idea to work on not demonizing “the other side” so much. I keep proposing that, and it’s never very popular, but I’ll keep doing it, because from what I’ve read and experienced, everyone thinks their side makes sense. That, coupled with the fact that most … Continue reading “Fascinating Feedback (and Lack Thereof)”
Celebrating All Wins
Along with Lee and two other business partners, I used to be a part of a real estate organization called FortuneBuilders. While it was an investment, the classes and networking ended up being well worth it. The leaders were a very positive bunch of human beings, and they brought in good motivational speakers and topics … Continue reading “Celebrating All Wins”
Stop and Pause
I came up with a goal today that I truly want to achieve. I want to stop my frenzy at least three times a day, pause, and notice what I’m grateful for wherever I am. Here’s a thing many religious traditions get right. So many ask practitioners to pause to pray, reflect, chant or perform … Continue reading “Stop and Pause”
What if You Don’t Want to Learn?
As a fitting start to Black History Month, I’ve been thinking about all the learning I’ve been doing during the COVID year. Much of it has been about racism, the history of race, and unconscious bias. It’s really opened my eyes about a lot of areas for growth in my attitudes and actions, as well … Continue reading “What if You Don’t Want to Learn?”
Your COVID Precautions Are Perfect for You
Hey, so we’re all living through this pandemic, right? We all listen to our preferred news outlets, discuss it with family and friends, have our own experiences, and then decide how we are going to cope. I know a lot of people, in Cameron and Austin, but also around the world. They sure differ in … Continue reading “Your COVID Precautions Are Perfect for You”
Should I Step Off a Cliff?
Of course, I mean a metaphorical cliff. Something’s been mulling around in my brain for the past few weeks. It would entail a change in what I do in my work, but not leaving my job(s) or anything. They always say to follow your passion, and my passion is not necessarily technical writing. It’s more … Continue reading “Should I Step Off a Cliff?”
Not as Butch as I Am in My Mind
My mental image of myself is some tomboy wearing jeans, a t-shirt, and boots. My actual self keeps wearing a lot of jewelry, growing my nails (not at the moment), and messing with my hair. It’s been so many colors and shapes. But at least I’m now going for a color found in humans. No … Continue reading “Not as Butch as I Am in My Mind”
Not an Easy Time to Be an Empath
Oh no, not another post where someone, specifically Suna, whines about how horrible the past year’s been on those poor pitiful empaths. Not to worry, I, Suna, am also tired of that, especially when I hear it coming from the mouths of some of the least empathic human beings I know. But, who am I … Continue reading “Not an Easy Time to Be an Empath”
Logic vs. Superstition
What with all the deaths and sicknesses going on in my extended community, I’m a little shell shocked. This morning I’m awake, but feeling like a part of me is still asleep, in the two-story hammock I’d been dreaming about before I awoke. I’m usually a fairly rational person, but in my rationality, I know … Continue reading “Logic vs. Superstition”
What the Heck Is This Eggplant Altar?
Have I missed a trend? Am I incredibly out of it? Can someone kindly tell me what is going on here? Answer Below! Y’all, there’s a parade of eggplants around this stump, which, by the way, is in the middle of Walker’s Creek cemetery. What‽ Okay. I know an eggplant emoji is used to symbolize … Continue reading “What the Heck Is This Eggplant Altar?”
Thinking about Dealing with Bullies
Today’s a good day to think about bullies. We’ve been dealing with bullies as a country for a while now, and I’ve had to deal with some of it myself in the past week or two. That’s lead to a lot of introspection on my part about how the way I’ve dealt with bullying in … Continue reading “Thinking about Dealing with Bullies”
500 Things
No, this is not one of those annoying blog posts that lists a certain number of things, where the blogger just looks stuff up and cuts and pastes. Oops that an opinion, not the start of a post. Anyway, 500 always feels like it’s halfway to somewhere, and it’s popping up for me. First, I … Continue reading “500 Things”
A Dark Time. Is Light Coming?
This week, all I’ve heard is that it’s the darkest time for the country where I live, at least since 9/11. I’m not doubting that. It’s probably not been a great idea, but I’ve been reading a lot about how to help people who’ve been deceived by repeated lies, help cult members move on, etc. … Continue reading “A Dark Time. Is Light Coming?”
Imagining What to Say about the News: My Dream
For the first time in as long as I can remember, I woke up this morning to happy news about the United States and its government (from my perspective). I am relieved to see that the way our system has been set up is holding up, at least so far. I fervently hope we can … Continue reading “Imagining What to Say about the News: My Dream”
2021: Keep Slogging
This morning dawned chilly and shiny. The chickens were out running in their pen as usual, and new cows are behind us, enjoying a nice, full pond. I’m drinking New Year’s coffee and plan to read a while before cooking my black-eyed peas, so no photos of any of this. This morning, my friend and … Continue reading “2021: Keep Slogging”
End o’ Year Stats
Last year I went over the most and least popular posts of the year, but I’ll just gather a few statistics today and sum the 2020 blogging up with that. It was, at least, a good blog year. It wasn’t all that exciting, though, because I got halfway through this post last week and never … Continue reading “End o’ Year Stats”
Bring Back the Word of the Year. Enough.
For a few years, I participated in the practice of selecting a word of the year. The idea is to look at the year through the lens of the word you chose. I didn’t do it for a few years, and haven’t since I started this blog. But, through the miracle of figuring out where … Continue reading “Bring Back the Word of the Year. Enough.”
Why Not Resolutionize?
Let’s admit this right off. I stole this idea from a very talented bogger, whose writing I really enjoy. Her blog also has a beautiful design, so check out this post on the Zowiezoe blog. Zoe (how come it’s so much easier to find an umlaut on the phone than on my dang keyboard?) shared … Continue reading “Why Not Resolutionize?”
Rejoice, Yes, Now
This morning, I started the day out doing a presentation highlighting the work our Agile team has done in the past two weeks (the usual presenter is already off for the holidays, so I was the stand-in. I had on professional-looking clothing and got to enjoy looking at my little holiday decorations in what passes … Continue reading “Rejoice, Yes, Now”
I Feel Pretty – Why Not?
Lately I’ve been enjoying photos of some friends who are my age. For example, Kathy, who I know from high school, has been sharing a sweater she knitted every day this month, and it’s been so fun to see what she’s made, and I’ve envied that she lives in Colorado now and actually gets to … Continue reading “I Feel Pretty – Why Not?”
MLMs, Small Businesses, Pyramid Schemes, and Me
A few days ago, my blogger friend V wrote up her opinions of multi-level marketing companies (MLMs). I thought she made some great points, and her viewpoint helped me solidify my own thinking about these businesses. I also read the many comments on her post (how do you get people to comment? I have no … Continue reading “MLMs, Small Businesses, Pyramid Schemes, and Me”
When Is a Conspiracy Theory Not a Theory?
You may have read my post earlier in the week, about what to do as we move forward. In it, I talked about an article I’d read about some of the less credible conspiracy theories that are going on around the world right now. In response, my friend Marian asked me: “Your blog brings up … Continue reading “When Is a Conspiracy Theory Not a Theory?”
Moving Forward
First, thanks for your interest in my stories about my past adventures. I expected to get about twelve people to read yesterday’s post, not the actual number! It’s a Blogmas miracle! This makes me think that I may want to write up some memories every week or so. First I have to go plow through … Continue reading “Moving Forward”
Twelve Years Ago Today
Twelve years ago today was a day much like today, although a little warmer. It was cloudy and a bit gloomy. I was, as usual, a little bit stressed. But much of it was GOOD stress, because I was looking forward to the wedding of my (quirky) dreams to the quirky man of my dreams, … Continue reading “Twelve Years Ago Today”
Positive Unconscious Bias?
I got so involved with writing my previous post that I forgot to make one of my points. While thinking of types of people I might be biased against, I became very aware of some ways in which my subconscious biases me toward some people. While out on a walk with Anita and Pickle, I … Continue reading “Positive Unconscious Bias?”
Who Has Unconscious Bias?
The short answer to that question is: all of us. Bias is normal for humans, and there’s no way to eliminate it; it’s part of being human. There are, by the way, both positive and negative biases (we are biased toward the kinds of people who most resemble you or share your beliefs, while people … Continue reading “Who Has Unconscious Bias?”
Controversy? I Prefer Autumn Decorations in Autumn
Let’s talk about something less serious for once. To start of, I’m happy to say that the meal Anita and I created for ourselves yesterday was quite nice. I made a very moist and yummy turkey and am looking forward to a sandwich for lunch. I spent many hours turning the carcass into broth that … Continue reading “Controversy? I Prefer Autumn Decorations in Autumn”
I’m Not Sick, Just Tired, But I MUST Be Supportive!
Please let me first apologize for making my discomfort with plane travel over the weekend appear like I think I am sick. I have no symptoms of COVID-19, and have been taking my temperature. Still just fine, as far as I can tell. I was just really uncomfortable being around so many people in the … Continue reading “I’m Not Sick, Just Tired, But I MUST Be Supportive!”
Missing the Ranch and Keeping My Spirits Up
It’s really weird to have not been at the ranch the entire month of November, especially since that’s usually a great month to be there (good weather, frisky pets, lots of time for walking). It didn’t help at all that I spent a good bit of time wandering around the area on Google Maps trying … Continue reading “Missing the Ranch and Keeping My Spirits Up”
Do You Have a Label You Just Don’t Like?
For the past few days, I’ve been noticing that I cringe when I hear certain words used to label people or things in conversation, on social media, or on television. Some of these are words I know bother other people (like “gypsy,” for personal and business names that the Romani/Romanichal folks would not be fond … Continue reading “Do You Have a Label You Just Don’t Like?”
Feeling Lighter?
I’m talking about mentally lighter, here. True fact is that I have been feeling much lighter while I’m on my sojourn in the mountains. I have finally given myself space to breathe and permission to do nothing I “should” be doing for a few weeks. I’ve been able to read, knit, watch silly television movies … Continue reading “Feeling Lighter?”
With Friends Anything Is Fun
Today is Anita’s last day with me in Utah. I just have to say it’s been great. One of the best things about hanging out with your long-time friends is that you can enjoy yourselves without doing much at all. We did a lot of nothing this week. We did have a lot of fun, … Continue reading “With Friends Anything Is Fun”
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The Hermits' Rest 