RHYS BOWEN: Like many of my friends I am stressed at the moment. Not just what is happening to our country and the world, but also reasons closer to home. John's health is up and down. We never know when there might be another trip to the ER. He feels quite dizzy at times, which means he pours himself a glass of milk in the middle of the night then knocks it over. I hear the crash/tinkle of broken glass at two in the morning. Not conducive to a good nitght's sleep. Then last week, as I started on our taxes, I got the edits for the next Molly book. Can you return them by....Clare was also working on taxes so neither of us had much time. Luckily they were slight but also required going through the ms carefully. And the day after that I got the edits for the next Royal Spyness book. And the day after that a request from the Edgars to answer interview questions.
Now you understand why I have been a teeny-weeny bit stressed. I'm trying to take some time out every day to wind down. I've been doing some water color painting, which I find great for relaxing as when you are doing it you can't think about anything else. Here are some of my recent efforts.
And I sent off for a steel tongue drum. It's a lovely little round thing with a delightful sound. I've played Frere Jaques and Twinkle Twinkle, and Happy Birthday. I may progress to the Carnival of the Animals (which my son played with Yo Yo Ma's children's orchestra when he was 12). He played it on the xylophone.
I've been trying to meet friends for lunch or happy hour (just had a lovely time with Jenn and with Barbara Peters) Oh rats. I meant to take a selfie with Jenn.
And lastly I've been trying to get out into nature. Arizona is bursting with spring flowers. The palo verde trees are a froth of yellow. Out in the dessert there are various wildflowers and the giant suguaro cactus have buds on them, ready to bloom. Just sitting and looking is very therapeutic.
So what have any of you been doing to stay calm and focused? Suggestions please.
Your paintings are lovely, Rhys . . . .
ReplyDeleteStress relievers for me? A walk [all the flowers blooming are wonderful to see] . . . spending time with my family and friends . . . reading a good book . . . .
Been feeing stressed lately and I am sure that it’s manifested by this persistent sinus infection that is keeping me awake. Definitely need suggestions for staying calm and focused.
ReplyDeleteYour paintings are beautiful.
I’m sorry you’re going through this, Diana!
DeleteThank you, Rhys. I am so sorry to hear about John's health. Glad you have your children and grandchildren living nearby. Wishing you and John the best.
DeleteFor me, the opposite of STRESSED is DESSERTS!
ReplyDeleteIn other words, I bake and enjoy the fruits of my labour.
And now that I am home and kinda recovered from jet lag, I am trying to replicate the Taiwanese and Singaporean heritage dishes that tickled my taste buds for 2 weeks!
As for exercise, we have more light snow and bitter cold in the forecast today in Ottawa.
"Cloudy. 60 percent chance of light snow changing to 40 percent chance of rain showers or flurries in the afternoon. Wind west 30 km/h gusting to 50km/h. Wind chill of -8C"
This is April 16th!
P.S. And of course, I am getting back into reading. I don't read much when I am off on my solo gallivanting (3 audiobooks in 2.5 weeks is pitiful).
DeleteSo, I picked up 7 library holds last Saturday, and have another 2 reserved books to pick up by Thursday. And there's my untouched Denver LCC TBR. And newly approved Netgalley ARCs. I am definitely not lacking for excellent books to read this month.
Desserts! Brilliant! Will you share your best Taiwanese recipes, Grace? I’m always looking for good Chinese food
DeleteI love this! I too, use cooking as an opportunity to unwind. Alas, I'm on a keto binge, so no desserts for me. EXCEPT I've discovered that really high-quality ricotta cheese with a swirl of dense, dark balsamic vinegar and a few berries makes for a good dessert substitute.
DeleteOh, Terry, that sounds delicious! Years ago I bought some blackberry balsamic vinegar at the Pike Place market in Seattle. I carefully hoarded it to drizzle over grilled peaches and vanilla ice cream for a special treat. Ricotta or Greek yogurt would be equally yummy.
DeleteReading books is a wonderful way for me to destress. Sometimes it is comedy movies.
DeleteRHYS: Taiwanese food is quite different than other Chinese cuisine I normally eat. Most of the traditional brekkie fare is lots of carb (fried dough) or egg & carb-focused (scallion pancakes stuffed with egg, meat and cheese). Din Tai Fung originated in Taipei and I wish that I could eat xiao long bao (soup dumplings) & dim sum at lunch for only 140 NT/$6 CDN dish. The same meal would cost triple the price in Ottawa or Vancouver.
DeleteI knew that Japan had occupied Taiwan from 1885-1945. So it was no surprise there were a glut of Japanese eateries serving cheap meals there & in the regions where Japanese took advantage of the natural hot springs to build onsen. Eating ramen in Beitou with eggs cooked in onsen hot water was unique.
Pork is the dominant protein in Taiwanese cooking. But it is a lot of work to prep & cook roasted pork belly at home to use in these melt-in-your-mouth dishes. So far, the only easy dish I have made is lu rou fan (braised ground pork) which is supposed to be served over rice. I I cheated & used udon noodles instead since I only had brown rice at home, which takes ages to cook! And added some braised bok choi for some veggies.
DeleteI will report back later when I successfully cook more complex Taiwanese fare!
TERRY & KAREN: i also keep/use a raspberry-influenced balsamic vinegar for similar desserts. Usually drizzle some over Greek yogurt. Yum!
DeleteFor those of you who have Trader Joe's, they have cooked pork belly in the section by the bacon. Grace, all that food sounds so good!
DeleteTerry, that ricotta with balsamic vinegar sounds delish!
Your water color paintings are lovely, Rhys.
ReplyDeleteI am not feeling stressed. I am getting in plenty of reading time, exercise on the pickleball courts and in the indoor pool, and vitamin D from the sunshine.
Best thing I can do is stay off social media or scroll on by the negative to the stuff I want to see. There are a lot of complainers in an HOA cimmunity.
I’m glad you’re doing well! Yes, pickleball!
DeleteI’m stressed as well I love your paintings
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful water colors, Rhys--I especially like the Misty Morning. I'm so sorry you're worried about John. His uncertain health would be enough to keep me stressed even without the taxes, book edits, and interview. I have no special recipes against life's anxieties; I get help from admiring nature, exercising, listening to beloved music, and getting lost in a book, especially an audiobook with an excellent reader.
ReplyDeleteAnd I’m looking forward to getting lost in your SPLINTERED JUSTICE which is now at the LA Library!
DeleteOh my goodness, your paintings are beautiful, Rhys. I agree painting can take you to a serene place. I paint at times and everything becomes timeless. Also, I write poetry for the same reasons.
ReplyDeleteI used to write poetry. Perhaps I should try again!
DeleteThe best advice I've ever had came from my youngest when she was in college: It doesn't matter. Take a nap.
ReplyDeleteThe problem is that it does matter. All of it!
DeleteYour paintings are lovely, very calming. Hanging out with my grands, all age 6 and under is the thing that distracts me from doom scrolling. Hard to be fully engaged and not ponder their future, but I'm trying to stay in the moment.
ReplyDeleteI used to love being with the grands when they were little. Alas now off in college
DeleteWishing John (and you) the best, Rhys. I have been thinking of trying water colors and maybe I will one day soon.
ReplyDeleteI walk, have a glass of wine with friends, cook, read, and sometimes get lost in reels of delightful children online (now there's a little Irish boy with glasses who I could follow all day). A bluebird couple is interested in my nesting box out back, so I'm doing all I can to provide their favorite food and invite them to stay! Watching them from the kitchen window is a great destressor.
These all sound perfect, Edith!
DeleteI love your watercolours, Rhys. I zone out of the real world via reruns of The Great British Baking Show. Watching others making cakes and biscuits and pies calms my nerves...
ReplyDeleteMe too. I love watching it!
DeleteBeautiful serene water colors Rhys, thank you.
ReplyDeleteI light a scented candle and breathe. Then back to the great purge aka getting rid of stuff so my family won't have too. Yesterday I received an email from the Drama Department at the University of South Florida. They have graciously accepted my donation of vintage clothing dating back to the 1960's to 2000. The clothes will be used in the curriculum that teaches costuming. Every box that leaves the house feels like another stone is out of my psychic shoe.
And when none of the above works, I pet a cat. There always is a cat.
I love that what we wore until recently is now someone’s curriculum!
Delete“Another stone is out of my psychic shoe” is the perfect way to describe this and I will be using it henceforth!
DeleteAhh, stressed – like living life on the head of a pin. Don’t get settled as the point is sharp, and who knows when the next poke will come.
ReplyDeleteToday, (leaving in 10 mins), my sister goes to Halifax for 8 weeks to start her stem-cell transfusion therapy for 8 weeks. The good news in this is: a) that she is getting it done, and the prognosis is supposed to be hopeful, and b) that my brother is the caregiver as she cannot leave the Halifax area for the 8 weeks. I just have to be positive here, and look after her 2 cats – at her house.
I had a call last night, and the ceremony for the King Charles medal will be next Saturday. Too late to go on a diet! Now do I wear a frock (don’t have one) or a nice blouse and pants – will need a scarf as my diamonds and tiara are in a safe – not! Do need a haircut (desperately) and have to take Grumpy as he needs one too. State of mind – terrified! The thought of standing in public while people are looking at me scares me to death. I hope we (other person who worked on paper) don’t have to talk. I hope that I don’t faint. Then there is the small talk around niblets… when I get nervous, I ramble. Can take a guest – don’t know anyone and no family lives here, so just Himself – hopefully with a haircut!
I know in the big scheme of life, these are paltry things and they too will pass, so will do what I usually do, and push my head in the sand a little deeper, and just deal with today. To quote Annie (and give you all an earworm) The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow…
Best wishes Rhys and John and anyone else who needs it. Know, as I do, that here you are amongst friends, and they are routing for you!
Margo, that's a happy crisis to have! Congratulations!
DeleteWould you remind us what the King Charles medal is, and why you are getting the award. It sounds very posh!
Congratulations, Margo! It does sound intimidating! It helps if you know what to expect. I suggest that you practice a short elevator speech (about 30 seconds) about your paper or a thank you speech, until it just flows. Simple. Efficient. In a small group, ask someone else a question. You have this! Your friends here know that you "rock!"
DeleteOh Margo! You have big things to stress you. Wafting calming vibes your way
DeleteHere is what I know:
DeleteI am writing regarding your availability for the presentation of your King Charles III Coronation Medal with Senator Michael L. MacDonald.
Senator MacDonald is planning to host a medal presentation for you and other recipients at 12:30PM on Saturday, April 26 at the Fortress Senior Citizens Club in Louisbourg (11 Mitchell Street, Louisbourg, NS).
If you could please confirm your availability for that date and time, it would be much appreciated. The event will be open to public, so feel free to bring any guests. Light food and beverages will be provided.
I thought we were to be 3 people - Darlene and I for the Seagull (paper for 10 years), and Elaine for a local book. Now I hear it may be 12 recipients - so other than that, I have no idea. Darlene is wearing pants, so that eliminates the frock problem. Sister was delivered to brother so that eliminates that worry for today. The sun is out, the drive was good, and the crocuses are all ready to burst, so mIght as well do last night's dishes and call it quits!
I dug a little deeper and it seems that:
DeleteThe King's Coronation Medal is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to Canada or to a particular province, territory, region, or community within Canada, or who have achieved outstanding success abroad that brings credit to Canada. It is a Canadian honor that recognizes and celebrates the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III.
As part of the wider King Charles III Coronation Medal program, the Governor General was allotted 100 medals with which she could personally recognize exemplary Canadians.
I will be proud to accept it.
That's marvelous, Margo! I hope you have a wonderful time being feted!
DeleteI love the watercolors Rhys, and can't wait to see you in New York! Last night I finally started ALL THE LIGHT YOU CANNOT SEE. Wow, those people had problems--I'm hoping to learn things from my fictional friends... Big hugs to you and John xox
ReplyDeleteI loved that book! (Elizabeth)
DeleteSee you soon!
DeleteLike Kim, I think your Misty Morning watercolor is my favorite. So dreamy and soothing, Rhys! I feel your stress over John's health, but I'm glad you have family and friends at your back. Taking time for yourself, whether to paint, to tick off jobs in terms of your books, to get out in nature wherever you are--these are all good for your mental health. I don't have much to add to that, except when I walk, I try to stay attuned to the moment. I take my phone and use it sometimes to take photos that capture a moment of peace--a flower, bare branches against a blue sky; sometimes I use it to 'capture' birdsong that I hear--I'm not good at remembering most of the birdcalls or songs.
ReplyDeletePaula B here: Flora, thank you for the tip about using a cell phone. I hadn’t thought about using it that way. It will happen on my walks now - must do before it hits 115 outside. Eeeeks. I don’t retain the sound of bird song either and this is the perfect way to research the sound when I get home and have a minute. Another distresser. Thanks.
DeletePaula B: I use the Merlin app from Cornell University--it listens for birds and identifies them as I walk. A friend leaves her phone on her deck or near an open window overlooking her backyard, using the same app to listen for birds.
DeleteYes, listening to birdsong is wonderful, isn’t it?
DeleteRhys, your watercolors are lovely! Hoping John’s health improves! Worrying about a spouse is very stressful. I practice deep breathing During Lent I’ve been trying “Breathe peace, release tension. I think I’ll continue. Working outside in the garden (when it’s not snowing or raining) , long walks, even around the neighborhood, and reading mysteries - with hot tea beside me or a glass of wine, depending on the time all help to de-stress .
ReplyDeleteI am afraid that I have not been successful at de-stressing at all. Your watercolors are beautiful, Rhys, and if I could express myself with art, I would love that. Instead, I do find comfort trying new recipes in the kitchen. Because we went to Massachusetts for the Passover seders, I didn't do any of the holiday prep that usually takes a week of effort. We are just barely going through the motions which is too bad, because focus on ceremony and ritual can lift you out of yourself a bit, and put the onus of life on your ancestors.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your upcoming books. It's too bad that everything arrives at once. I hope that you have plans to see your family at Easter. That is surely something to look forward to.
We are also entering new health frontiers here and it is frightening, disturbing and limiting. It certainly changes what we can do and influences our plans. I hope that John feels better soon.
A blessed Passover wish for you, Judy
DeleteMisty Morning is lovely, but I am drawn to the painting of the Grand Lagoon the most. Good way to destress, especially with such serene subject matter to capture. Sending hugs to you and John.
ReplyDeleteI am so grateful for my big yard with endless tasks right now. I spend at two to six hours outside most days, listening to audiobooks. That checks a lot of destressing boxes: fresh air and sunlight, birds chirping and flying all around, growing lovely things, making our property a bit more organized and appealing, engaging my busy planning brain, getting my hands in the dirt, and yes, working with my body to the point of good exhaustion. While listening to the problems and joys of people in other worlds. It's keeping me sane at the moment.
I wish I had a garden to work in, Karen. With two residences our yards have to be self sustaining
DeleteYou'd never have time to write, though, Rhys. Self-sustaining is good.
DeleteAs a follow up to my earlier comment, I'm so sorry, Rhys, John is experiencing health problems. I know how worrisome that can be.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteOh Rhys, your watercolors are so lovely! Like Karen, the Grand Lagoon is my favorite. How I envy you that ability. I seem to have no small motor skills, so activities like painting, crocheting and the like that relieve stress for so many people have the opposite effect on me. Also, let me add my best wishes for John's health. In many ways, dealing with the illness of a loved one is so much harder than dealing with our own health issues. Nothing in life really prepares us for that.
ReplyDeleteMy daily walk is my biggest stress reliever, and I am so grateful to have been able to move it back outside where it belongs. (For a couple months there, we were mall walking, which is better than nothing but much less renewing of mind and spirit.) I have also pulled WAY back on social media and I intend to try to stick to that, as it has improved my peace of mind.
I have recently made the difficult decision to move my sister with dementia into an assisted living facility, and it is my fervent hope and expectation that this will reduce my stress levels. It is truly a lovely place, and I believe she will be able to actually enjoy her days there for a while before the disease takes that away. Money is a bit of a worry -- should she follow our mother's longevity and make it into her 90's, we would have a problem -- but the sad truth is that dementia rather dramatically shortens life expectancy. I just need to let go of the money worry and focus on living in the moment with her.
Susan, as someone who has all-too-much experience with family members who have dementia, I do hope for relief for you with your sister receiving the care that she needs in her new home. While it can be a difficult decision for many families, it can also be of much benefit. We had similar worries about my mother's 11-year survival with dementia in her facility, somehow, they were able to find a way to work with us to allow her to stay there beyond that time that any of us expected. Sending positive thoughts to you all. Walking has become a daily part of my life (rain-or-shine!) and I eliminated SM back in 2016. Haven't looked back! I get what I need from newsletters and texts from friend.
DeleteI hope it’s a good solution for your sister and sending my best to you!
DeleteYour watercolours are beautiful! We all need to find our own stress relievers and it seems like you have found quite a few. I too like to be outside, notice the flowers, and if I'm lucky, a hawk or coyote. For me, meditation and prayer help, as does being in community--connecting with friends or going to church (a lot of church in the coming days)
ReplyDeleteI sing in my church choir. A great source of joy. And also singing for the next 4 days!
DeleteI was thinking as we drove by a church, with a sign out for Good Friday services, that Good Friday's 3-hour service (no longer practiced) was my favourite service of the year. All Bach, and even with a rinky-dink hurdy gurdy, just beautiful. Follow that by the joy of the first Easter hymn... Magnificent music.
DeleteWeeds and I started a new short story yesterday
ReplyDeleteI am in awe of your watercolors! What a wonderful way to capture nature and calm yourself at the same time. Normally, I am fairly mellow, but of late I find nothing is soothing my soul. I love walking in nature, but as soon as it was nice enough to do just that, plantar fasciitis grabbed my right foot. Our city sponsors a SculpTour that includes art installations from various artists that is located in the city town center and the adjacent town center park. I've been watching as each new piece has been installed and was all primed to walk and admire the finished tour when my foot went caput (see above). My library is usually a surefire happy place, but even it seems to be noisier than usual and no librarians seem invested in calming it down a bit. In short, I'm a bit stymied right now, but was gifted with a felting starter kit and that may be just the ticket to grab my full attention and allow a bit of creativity to shine through. Fingers crossed! -- Victoria
ReplyDeleteShow us the final creation, Victoria!
DeleteBREAKING NEWS! AND the winner of Jenn Bouchard's CONSIDERING US is Pat D! YAAY! Pat D, email me at hank@hankphillippiryan.com and send me your mailing address!
ReplyDeleteDouble yay!
DeleteRhys, you are too fabulous. The most talented person in the world! How do I de-stress? Good question...I just go outside and watch the ducks. That always works! Or tour the gardens and see who's coming and who's gong...
ReplyDeleteOh yes. I love being among the flowers. And I wish I had ducks!
DeleteEddie and Flo...Those crazy "kids" :-) ~ It's amazing how God's creatures can slow down the heartbeat to a calming level and bring us such joy and comfort just by their presence and their sometimes silly and humanlike antics! Like their "beaking" your back door for attention. (Ding Dong Avon's here...:-) )
Deletegoing..
ReplyDeleteThere are so many wonderful stress-relieving ideas here! I also rely on nature for my mindfulness moments. This year we have a duck couple staying in our backyard pond. I do a lot of wildlife photography right from our back window here in Maine. But the best thing I've done for my mental health is join 2 singing groups at a nearby music center. Between the live music, the uplifting songs, and the camaraderie, I think I may have found my all-time favorite stress reliever! I find myself singing more at home now too. All in the name of *practice* of course... my other go-to stress relief is watching the monologues of the late-night hosts in the mornings. I read a little of the NYT and AP and then switch right on over to the comedians as a balm for the soul.
ReplyDeleteI also sing in my church choir. Really uplifting and also the camaraderie is great
DeleteI'm sorry to hear about your hubby Rhys. One helpful (hopefully) hint that I discovered with myself and my grandkids is to save (or you can buy) coffee cups with lids. The kind you get a coffee shops or cafes for take out. That way if it tips over it won't be that messy and no broken glass.
ReplyDeleteSpills and broken cups have been a problem with four grandkids and like I said even myself!
Your paintings are absolutely beautiful - if you weren't also a successful author you'd be a successful artist!!
I bought silicone ones
DeleteMy best de-stressors are reading good books! Also, working on jigsaw puzzles, although the one I have almost finished has been very challenging, in a good way, if that is possible. The image is a work by Will Moses, White Creek Sunrise, with lots of very fine detail and lots of snow. Beautiful but tricky, which means no time for worrying about anything else while I am trying to find the right pieces.
ReplyDeleteI find jigsaws stressful! Isn’t that funny
DeleteRhys, I'm so sorry that John's health is worrying. And I love the watercolors. What a great way to lose yourself in the world of painting. Like Grace, I use cooking as a way to unwind. But I also do the NY Times crossword puzzle. And I recently bought a new jigsaw puzzle--now, if I could just find the time to open the box!
ReplyDeleteMy stress relievers are a lot like yours, Rhys. I try to connect with friends and schedule in purely social time. I walk the dogs without listening to a podcast, just soaking in the natural world around me.
ReplyDeleteMy idle-time stress reliever is one of those jewel-matching games; I find it soothing because there's no ticking clock and eventually, you always complete the goal. I listen to classical music. Oh, and cuddling with my dogs or petting my cat are great at lowering my emotional temperature. I know you don't have a pet yourself, but if you have a friend or kid with one, try spending some time sitting with it!
I agree, connecting with friends and family. And I'd even consider a dog if the whole idea is preposterous for me.
DeleteI am probably not the best one to advise others how to de-stress as I tend to get ahead of myself with negative thoughts before scrambling down the rabbit hole. However, I am fortunate to be married to someone who always seeks out the positive side of things despite being through the gates of hell himself the last five years as a result of Agent Orange exposure. I honestly believe his mental and physical well being have helped him survive what others may not have been able to do and his team of oncologists, surgeons and specialists feel that is the case also. I once asked one of his doctors who witnesses sadness and grief on a daily basis how she herself remains harnessed to the positive side of life and her response to me were three words: "Find the joy". A simple yet effective answer which I think Rhys Bowen is finding through her lovely watercolor paintings. Finding an escape from the stresses of life can be as straightforward as reading a book, taking a walk, witnessing the beauty of a full moon and the stars at night, the aroma of beach roses in the salt air or just closing one's eyes for a brief nap. As caregivers to both sets of aging parents over the years my husband and myself always tried to find ways to destress even if just for a brief time. I called it "ten minutes of me time." Doing something normal while experiencing abnormal circumstances. Those symbolic "ten minutes" were often sought during odd hours of the day (or night). When I was younger it was not unusual for me to do some gardening at 1:00 in the morning because it was the only free time I had between caregiving and getting up the next day to go to work. A neighbor once called the police because she thought someone had broken into my car in the early morning hours. It was only me working out of the trunk of my car in our driveway planting flowers in individual planters for our backyard garden. Aerobic dance classes twice a week saved my sanity ~ an hour each of "me time" where I would get lost in the music and free myself of reality for a brief time. Now that I'm older the dance classes and the trunk plantings have been replaced with lots of reading, PBS, modified gardening in our little courtyard with garden blogs and lectures and drifting through various garden nurseries, a little tree hugging during walks in the forest, strolls on the beach and my favorite de-stressor of all ~ Saturday date nights with Chinese food and a good movie with my best friend...my husband of 48 years. On those nights all medical discussions are put on hold and laughter is at the top of the list. At times I don't like what often feels like overwhelming challenges that have been handed us but I then remind myself the alternatives won't change the narratives of life's journey. That's when I remember those three words ~ "Find the joy". To Rhys Bowen and to any of you on this blog who are currently working around stressful times in your lives I wish for you better days ahead and peaceful ways to "find the joy."
ReplyDeleteYour husband joins a legion of other Vietnam-era soldiers who were exposed to that horrible chemical stew, Evelyn. I'm so sorry he and you are going through this nightmare. Glad you can find moments of grace and joy together still!
Delete"Find the joy." Absolutely lovely thought. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and your "tricks" for handling challenges.
DeleteI"m sorry you've been going through this. Laughter really is therapeutic.
DeleteIt sounds you have really found what works for you. I am laughing at the 1am gardening - sorry about why you had to do it then, but thinking I would do that to avoid having to wear sunscreen.
DeleteThank you, Karen, for your kind words. A nightmare of sorts the past 4 years as different illnesses rolled out all these decades later ~ a half century plus ~ but on the plus side we have been blessed with remarkable surgeons and physicians in both the private sector and through the V.A. The support also of a retired navy veteran whose job as an advocate for Vietnam Veterans filing agent orange claims with the government has resulted in a special friendship along with other veterans, family, friends and those who will never forget any of our veterans no matter when they served. The support and camaraderie has been our safety net while navigating the entire process. It has been quite the journey filled with love and remarkable friendships and proof that there are still so many wonderful human beings in this world. Thank you again for your gracious comments.
DeleteTerry and Rhys ~ Sometimes words like what you both wrote is all that is needed to make one feel inclusive and understood. Thank you so much.
DeleteLisa from Long Beach ~ Do you see what you did there? :-) You made me laugh out loud with your sunscreen comment. Thank you!
DeleteRhys, your water colors are amazing. Art is not one of my talents but I do appreciate it. I'm sorry to hear about your husband's health issues.
ReplyDeleteI'm reading more now that the work of getting ready for Passover is done. I'm 3 quarters through your Where the Sky Begins. It transports me to another time and place. I'm really enjoying it. I'm also doing some knitting. I'm also walking more as the weather is beautiful here in the San Francisco Bay Area. For a different kind of stress, I'm cheering on the Golden State Warriors basketball team. Last night they won which puts them in the play offs.
Such a nail biter of a Warriors game last night!
DeleteGood news. Go Warriors!
DeleteRhys, I’m sorry to hear about your husband’s health issues and all the other stress factors. I’m my mother’s only caregiver and it’s a 24/7/365 day job, so I really do understand about stress with loved one’s health. I wish I could watercolor. I need to find some online lessons. I can’t leave Mom for much time, but now that spring is trying to come where I live, I try to bike for 30-45 minutes, take pictures, and audiobooks really help. You didn’t share a picture or audio clip of your steel tongue drum; maybe in another post. Wishing you the best. —M
ReplyDeleteRhys, your water color paintings are beautiful. I know I've asked this question before, but is there nothing that is beyond your talents. And, now, you've added a steel-tongued drum to your list. I thought the harp was quite unique and impressive enough. Writing, oh yes, you do a bit of that, too, don't you. I am sorry to hear that John's health is not stable. He is such a lovely man.
ReplyDeleteI don't think you'd be interested in how I handle all my stress. I go to the cemetery and sit, talk to, and read to Kevin. It's a very peaceful place. We are looking at an arbitration date of April 30th, which I have little faith in working, as Kevin's murderer is still trying to weasel out of a cold-blooded murder. On June 6th, we will be given a new trial date if the arbitration doesn't work, which, again, I don't think it will. I know that sitting at the cemetery won't be a good stress reliever for most, but I think you can turn that into just sitting in nature or on your deck and learning to be still, not jumping up to go do any tasks. That's why I think it works better away from your home.
I love your watercolors. My aunt also painted watercolors, and my mom painted with oil paints and acrylics. I didn't get that talent, darn it. To combat stress, I found it helped to talk to a good friend or my sister. Just talk away about anything and everything. Have some good laughs and catch up and reminisce.
ReplyDeleteJust this week, I read an article on Cathedrals and space, and the gist of it was that the height of the huge nave in the church, lets our body react the same way as a walk in nature. The loftiness of the ceiling gives us the feeling of an enormous sky – I think it was a BBC article.
ReplyDeleteIf anyone has PBS Select, watch ‘Secrets of Britain's Great Cathedrals’. Each episode is an exploration of a beautiful cathedral – beautiful in architecture, talents, art, and most spectacularly music. The animator talks as he tours, but for each building there is an underlying music. It will sooth your soul.
Thanks for the recommendation, Margo.
DeleteYour watercolors are lovely, Rhys. I hope you can find some relief from all your stress.
ReplyDeleteI have been walking a LOT during the last couple of months, training for a walking trip in Japan next week, and it has been so helpful in helping me keep my mental and emotional equilibrium.
ReplyDeleteI have also been reading a lot! At my last tea with friends I volunteered to put together a shared spreadsheet so we could all see what everyone was reading and I was shocked that I’ve read 37 books so far this year. Clearly I’m looking for escape!
37 books SO FAR THIS YEAR!?! That's formidable.
DeleteLISA: I was walking double my daily step count during my 8 days in Taiwan. The daily temperatures ranged from 14 to 27C /58-81F, which was much more pleasant than the hot & humid temperatures in Singapore 28-35C/82-95F that wore me out!
DeleteMy annoying step counter app is telling me that I walked 40% fewer steps this week in Ottawa, ha ha.
Well done with the reading! I had been pleased with 43 books read this year. But my reading dropped to a trickle in April, with only 3 books read during the past 15 days. Too bad I did not read on the ultra long haul legs to/from SEAsia. Instead, I bingewatched, new TV shows & movies on those 16 and 14.5 hour flights!
I expect I will slow down now that I’ve finished frantically reading to do my Hugo and Anthony nominations.
DeleteGRACE: yes, I’ll have to see if I read on tomorrow’s flight or give my eyes a rest.
I try to find something positive in whatever stressful situation I’m in. Sometimes I don’t recognize the positives until years later. And when that happens, it changes my opinion of everything! I also try to find humor in difficult situations. It doesn’t always happen right away, but I’ll tell myself “someday I’ll be able to laugh at this.”
ReplyDeleteFor immediate results, I like to go for a walk. My neighborhood is a great one in which to take a walk. And I read whatever humorous material I can find: Dave Barry’s books are in tatters on my bookshelves because I can’t get enough of them! The Meg Langslow mysteries by Donna Andrews often have me laughing so hard that I feel like I’m going to break a rib! (I have my sister-in-law hooked on them now, and every week when we talk, she thanks me for recommending them!)
Sometimes I drive over to the beach, and just sit in my car watching the seagulls or the waves until I feel myself calming down. I’m so grateful to live just a few minutes from Long Island Sound.
DebRo
I'm a big walker, too. Especially right now with spring bursting out all over, just focus on sights and smells and changes day to day. Birding is another way to stay calm. And read YA novels, the classics.
DeleteRhys, LOVE those paintings - especially the one with low clouds that must be shrouding a river valley. I feel like I've been there.
ReplyDeleteWe had such a lovely lunch, Rhys! She gave me an ARC of Mrs. Endicott's Splendid Adventure. Be jealous, y'all!!!!
ReplyDeleteAlso, your watercolor work is GORGEOUS!
DeleteRhys, I adore your watercolors. If we get to spend more than a couple of hours together some day, I want you to give me a lesson.
ReplyDeleteWe are all sending much love to you and John.
As for de-stressing, everything is --literally--coming up roses here at the moment. They are all so gorgeous, and although most are repeat bloomers, there is nothing like the spring flush, so I've been spending as much time outside as I can, just taking in the glory. Breakfast and lunch on the deck when I can manage it.