At the top of my gratitude list (always) is my sweet little calico rescue Boo. She is the kindest little creature and probably the most social cat I’ve ever witnessed. She runs to the door to greet everyone–FedEx drivers included, hangs out with friends when they visit, sits by my side while I work and just generally makes each day special. Cheers to sweet Boo! my little funny face.
celebrations...
It felt so good to be reunited with my buds. What a delightful day—especially after the long winter. The sun was out, we had a long lunch on the cutest patio and sipped way too much champagne. (Kirs,really.) It felt so good to laugh in person—not FaceTime or Zoom or any of that awful pandemic crap. I am so grateful to have good people in my life. I know I can always trust them and that is the best gift of all.
the long winter...
I must say I was prepared for the winter this time. It always feels so long and I am dreaming of swimming again by mid January—but this time, whilst in a pandemic—it feels that much longer. I’ve spent it working very long days in my studio and taking walks as much as the weather allows. These are some crazy times but I find that staying busy is key. Everything has changed! But there are always positives and I love the focus that this time brings. I’ve been writing some new books and working on the dummies. Sometimes I forget how much fun it is to just draw straight out of my head. I remember an editor telling me how she thought that must be so satisfying back when we met in the city to review a story idea. (It is!) But writing is painful. It is just so incredibly hard to get the pacing just so.
I still miss the city more than words could ever express, but we just need to get through this latest strain. My bus line is still shut down, so I may as well use this time to dig in (and out with all that snow!) The winter light is beautiful and the days are starting to get longer now. My watercolor book comes out in just a few weeks. I got an author copy in the mail and was surprised how big it was! I will have to write more about that on another post, but for now I am just wishing everyone peace and good health. I can’t wait to be with my friends again! Spring is coming!
yes. yes. YES!
I love this quote. If you are feeling down, go help someone. If your life is rich with abundance, share it with someone. If you have nothing to give financially, give your time. We can always help others! If your schedule is too busy, do simple things like help a neighbor, donate unused clothing to a charity, bring magazines to your local veterinarian, radiology office or emergency waiting room, as many of the people there could use the distraction. Any time life gets hard, I make a point to remember that it’s even harder for someone else out there.
gratitude
The past few weeks have been challenging. But if there is one bit of wisdom I can glean from all this is that I have wonderful people in my life. Today marks three weeks on crutches. To say it's been rough is putting it mildly. I've tried to keep my sense of humor and laugh each time I drop one of my crutches or spill something, but there are days I want to scream.
I've discovered I am the absolute worst at asking for help. Some of my friends have also discovered this and brought me groceries, given me rides and recently stolen my laundry. lol The worst part of all this has been the isolation. I already work from home so there are many hours of solo time normally...but I usually am out and about. I miss working out, going to NYC and just generally walking around town. My big field trip these days is to the mailbox. And yesterday, sandwiched between utility bills and junk mail was the sweetest card from one of my students last fall. She is a special person and one of those kind souls that you like immediately. We have kept in touch over the months and I think she might be the only person who reads my blog. ha!!! So Marilyn K, thank you so much! Your card meant so much and brought a smile to my face.
I am grateful for people like you. xoxo. k
