The monk and the finch by MBG

The monk and the finch by MBG
Originally uploaded by mizkcreations

Oy! Winter! This round of snow was a hard one and I was ill prepared. I've learned several valuable lessons on self-sufficiency: buy boots, park at the front of the driveway-not 20 feet back, keep cash on hand to pay kids who offer to shovel, keep the shovel inside (not out), when snow is predicted do not keep your ice scraper in the car (as well as your gloves and heaviest coat). Sigh.

However, it was an exceptionally beautiful snow with lots of ice and Marie managed to catch this fantastic shot of my monk and a happy yellow finch, gorging on sunflower seed. He's been on loan to her but now that I have my own yard again, he's coming back this spring.

I hope everyone is safe and dry. Aside from working hard, I have nothing new to report except I am happy (if stressed)!

Must read for anyone "suffering from depression"!

I have a love/hate affair with Tim Ferriss...but mostly I love him. M sent me this post and I had to share it. Though there are certainly biological components to depression, I know, first hand, that much of it is behavioral. This post is kind and thought-provoking.

Cobwebs

I cannot shake the cobwebs off myself today. I am attempting to ignore and push them away but I am sad and I keep pondering why, ignorning the most obvious answer. A man I loved deeply and for many years is dying. With his death goes the hope that something might be healed, that a new place for me in his world (and in mine, for him) could be made. It seems to make no difference that it has been many years since I saw him, because I look in his face and at his hands every time I see our son. I have made it clear that I am here if he needs me.

Odd. To be losing someone so close to you for so many years and you have no role at this point in their life. You know they are suffering and you cannot comfort-you do not want to upset at such a difficult time. Yes, you pray but you want to offer more...something, anything. You cannot, unless invited to do so. You wait, hating that you are, knowing you will have to be there to care for the only one who will let you when it is all done. And you wonder...are you grieving? Can you grieve? Should you be allowed when you broke his heart and made poor and reckless decisions? I guess it doesn't matter. I'm grieving any way. The heart understands no rules.

He is a good and kind man. He may not have been a strong man, but he is good. I will have memories forever of books read and love made and laughter and, of course, I will have part of him always-as I always have.

Long live the rice sock!

I thought this email from M was funny:

"I'm still trying to get out the door, but currently with my feet wrapped up in the rice sock so I can at least get them warm before leaving. They are COLD. Long live the RICE SOCK!"

I gave her her first rice sock this week and she is clearly an addict. As am I. So for those who are not in the know:

• One large tube sock (I use the kind good for sock monkeys but it isn't necessary).
• One empty toilet paper or paper towel roll (used as a funnel).
• One bag plain rice.

Fill the sock about 2/3-3/4 of the way full and leave enough room to tie a secure knot around it. My original was a gift and had lavendar in it. I don't mind the smell of warm, dry rice but if you do you can add something to scent it.

Heat in microwave for no less than 3 minutes. Put at foot of bed under covers and it will keep your feet warm all night. Use for tummy pains, aching shoulders, sore back or to cuddle with when lonely. Ryan has one. Christi and I gave them as gifts one year. Indispensable and dirt cheap.

Also I wrote a readable post here.