The Butterfly Wrestler

I am amazed at how deep I feel. Not, such a good thing. My biggest thing as I age, is to do this as natrually and gracefully as possible. Maybe I shouldn't even blame my age. I have all this time to reflect on myself. This year is different from last year, as I was still working. So far, a lot of what I have learned is how hard I am on myself. On Saturday I decided to make it a collage day. I began by cutting out flowers. This I really enjoyed. I also treated myself to watching the food channel at the same time. I had two pieces of cardboard, and some paper bags I did not throw out. So, when I sat down to start glueing it, there was no pressure. I probably should not have done this all in one day. But, I am noticing a pattern of not finishing. So, I just wanted to finish. I pay attention, now, to how different projects make me feel. And, a lot of my problem is for the amount of time spent, I want it to be perfect. Collage makes me a bit crazy, because of the wrink

Twenty years ago in January I didn't know I would be on a tour bus in Rome, Italy. With my mother taking pictures of me. Yesterday, I was able to dig a little into our photos and journal from the trip. We both had the same journal, and the first day we wrote at the same time. Sharing almost identical details about the cage elevator, fabric wallpaper and overall love of Rome at first sight. She ended her journal with wishing every athiest could visit Rome. Most trips I like to know in advance, so I can look forward to it. She made a reservation for a tour with a Catholic group called: "On Angel's Wings". I made a reservation for four days before her tour started, for the plane and rooms. I was amazed at the deal I found through Italia airlines. My mother during this time, was beginning to struggle just walking. She huffed and puffed a lot, and had to sit many times. But, after this trip she used a walker to get out and about. I remember her calling me at th

When I haven't written for a long time I don't know where to start. I arrived home yesterday from traveling. I was away from home for five days. I had a goal for writing every day. The only journaling I did was rubber stamping my pocket journal in the Smokey Mountain National Park. I did do a lot of thinking, and what I want to write about in the book I am working on. I am influenced by a lot of writers right now. Two of which I really focused on this trip. And, I had a zoom call with both on the Sunday before I left. They are Susan Cain of one of my most favorites reads of last year: "Bittersweet". The other being Suleika Jaouad author of "Between Two Kingdoms". I got a scholarship to be part of "The Quiet Community" on substacks through Susan Cain. It is a safe place for me on the internet. I feel safe and part of conversation among kindred spirits. I listened to "Between Two Kingdoms" on audio books during the ride.