sleep, sleep, and more sleep

May 3, 2018

I’m craving a good night’s sleep.

My research led me to an app that measures how you are actually sleeping, and it’s fascinating. Check out the chart from last night. The initial blip is because I set it to start before I had brushed my teeth and actually climbed into bed! But then I seemed to sleep well until 12:30, when I think David let the cat out. I did wake around 4:45. I tried to fall back asleep, but couldn’t. So at 5:30, I was up for the day.

The article pointed me to another change– sleeping in a cold room. We turned the temperature down last night, and I think that helped. I normally bundle up in my flannels no matter how hot it is. I know, I know.

After 5 nights, I get a report of some kind. Looking forward to that!

Ten Years (Well, Really More)

May 27, 2017

I really wish I hadn’t lost the first four+ years of my blogging. When I started this (as a running blog in 2002?)), I didn’t fully understand how I was recording a history of thoughts and feelings. But now I have at least ten years (not counting photos which somehow didn’t transfer in the early days.)

What do I know? That nothing stays the same. I have tried to remove the words “always” and “never” from my vocabulary. At 65, I’ve learned what I like about myself. And I’ve also come to terms with what I don’t. I recognize some early life events that made me who I am, and these days I forgive myself for those life mistakes that came as a result of those events.

I’m so glad I found a passion in teaching, writing, and printing. Perhaps I’ve left a small legacy in those, something that my grandchildren will enjoy learning about. These are, after all, the moments that make up a life.

It’s the Way You….

February 6, 2017

This was one of the first cards I printed. I only made a handful, and I forgot about them.

But the other day, I realized I LOVE these cards. So, I”m going to set the type again and reprint. Sometimes a good idea needs to be reprised, right? It’s the way you hold my hand when I’m cold, wash the dishes every night, walk the dog in the morning so I don’t have to go out in the cold… and on and on. It’s Valentine’s Day:)

Smiling in the Rain

September 2, 2016

I’ve decided I am an emotional person.

Ok, I’ve known it all along. But lately I seem to have trouble keeping the tears from filling my eyes. Last night, they didn’t fall, but I had a lump in my throat all evening.

We went to see Chicago, a band I fell in love with in college in the early 70’s. I was prepared to be disappointed. Last month we heard another “oldie” in concert, and unfortunately she had lost her voice and her enthusiasm for performing.

The evening started under gray, cloudy skies that opened up as we stood in line for 30 minutes. Our paper bag (dumb idea) melted as David tried to juggle our sandwiches, chips, and wine, the picnic we had planned to eat outdoors at Wolf Trap before the concert. By the time we were able to enter the gates, we were soaked. Luckily we found a bench to spread our mostly wet towel on.

I was seconds away from saying, “let’s go home,” when the sun came out. We stayed, and I’m so glad I did.

From the minute the horns started, I could feel myself awash in memories. Of college. Of boyfriends. Of broken hearts and best friends. Music does that to me. The tears didn’t fall, but watching these guys in their 60’s blast fabulous music made me feel a little younger– and appreciative that they are still giving it their all.

It made me believe I can too.

And there goes summer….

August 18, 2016

Photos of my dad and grandfather sitting in the same place in the old living room. I love how it’s a favorite nap place.

If you follow me on Instagram, you know I’ve spent a little more than two weeks in my favorite place: Rhode Island. I’ve been going since I was a baby, and that’s a damn long time.

We drifted on the salt pond, swam in the ocean, read on the back porch, and played with kids and grandkids. Plus I explored my grandfather’s scrapbook and found some cool memories!

Now I’m back and on the press. I really missed it, which tells me something. I am in my happy place here, too.