See Things For What They Can Be

Posts tagged ‘time’

In Today’s World

It seems in today’s world; it is a necessity to have gimmicks. With the technology of today at our disposal, it is so easy to create a new you or to showcase what is you. TikTok, YouTube and everything else in between gives us exposure we never had as an everyday individual in days past, dreaming of what it would be like. There is an unending list that fits into this one demographic: woodworking, painting, singing, acting, comedy and yes, even writing just to name a few.

Where does that leave those us that are low key. Blowing in the wind, grasping for a stronghold, anything that will end the twist and turns of a relentless phenomenon that has taken hold?

My answer? Stay true to you. As an example, I have tried on occasion to replicate art styles that I liked to see how my version would unfold. When I was writing poetry, almost all of my writings were rhymes. Hence, I didn’t consider myself a poet. And it turns out, during my adventures I found myself back to what is me. Isn’t that what is most important in the scheme of things? To be seen as who you are and not what or who you tried to be…not you? It’s ok to have similarities, but your style is unique and it’s you.

I’m not a young pup anymore. My drive has slowed but the flame hasn’t completely diminished.

If you are one to view these many wondrous works of art that we see every day, don’t stop. But try not to look through envious eyes, but gaze with admiration. To be envious is to be somewhat jealous. To admire, well that will open your mind to your own skills and ambitions and isn’t that what we need? Especially in today’s world.

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See What I see?

I hadn’t taken my morning walk in a few days and had a lot on my mind. One of them, what to do next for art. I wanted something quick and simple.

I have smoke stamps software and use them for many things other than just smoke. I see many different shapes in the stamps and this is what I came up with today.

Do you see what I see?

Plumes of smoke doth not fill the air

They lay, foretelling the vision

Of the mind’s eye

The subject and the artist

Subject and Artist

I Am My Worst Enemy

I have been wanting to post for a few days now and I have talked myself out of it several times. No, this won’t be a boo hoo, sad sob post, but an acknowledgement. One that I have known for as long as I can remember. It’s in the title of the post.

As an example.

On some of my morning walks, I walk past a construction site. Right around Thanksgiving, I’m walking and look up and noticed pumpkins on top of a hill. The type of hill that is formed at a lot of sites as they move soil in preparation for the work, or soil that is hauled in.

Now, for one of the things I’m really bad at, not capturing the moment, I smiled and kept walking and for several days since. But as December rolled in, something must have dropped on my head because I took a couple photos.

It seems different now than when I first spotted them up there and could be why I’ve talked myself out of writing the post. But what I find more intriguing is the fact that either these construction workers put them up there or someone else did and they are still there.

In the end, it’s really nothing but pumpkins on a hill at a construction site. But at the same time, it really is…something.

Some Me Time

Since my last post, I have been working on those four canvases that I had no agenda for at the moment. Of course all of that time was not spent on them. I had to get some ‘me’ time in there somewhere.

I play Animal Crossing New Horizons and for some time, like a lot of people, had not played for months. Then I find out a new update was on the way with some features that really sounded intriguing. So I decided to fire up the game, kill some cock roaches, pick weeds and get ready for the update. All while my villagers are telling me how much they missed me and how I must have ‘fallen off the edge of the earth‘ (not really, but they did give me a word or two about my absence and my snooties gave me mean looks).

One of the new features is having the option of villagers inside your home. I have found on a couple occasions, hard to get them out once they are in for the visit. Sometimes they will follow you from room to room and really make themselves comfy with book reading…in every room. I’m either ready to quit the game or finish up on some of my daily tasks, they seem to have no intention of leaving. I realize by now that continuing to talk to them in hopes they will say it’s been fun but time to go on their own, never comes. So I do this…

That was a few days ago and I had to do it again a couple days later with another villager.

The update is nice. It has made the game fun to play again. Maybe I’ll share more adventures ahead although I’m not good at staying on top of that. I play, not share…but we’ll see.

No Agenda, yet

I currently have no idea what these will look like as a finished project. My main goal here is motivation. To get back to this or what other crafts, ideas or writings that will come across my mind. I’m constantly throwing ideas about something around inside my head, but I have a bad habit of mostly not jotting it down or better yet, pulling out my phone and taking notes or photos.

I’m one of those who thinks I won’t forget that idea…how wrong have I been over and over again (stubborn). I’m old school. When I grocery shop, I have a hand written paper list. Now I have upgraded to a list on my phone when I intend to do a larger than 5 item shop. That’s something, right?

Well, I will work on these and as soon as they are finished I will be sure to share.

First Week Back

My first week back to work was more than I thought it would be in areas I hadn’t anticipated beginning with I thought I would get sleepy throughout the day. To my surprise I worked through with no problems pertaining to staying awake. I don’t know if it was the atomsphere of the workplace or just being more active. Whatever the reason….

Ok, so Monday I sit at my desk to clock in and start my day, only to find out I can’t. Apparently I wasn’t put back into the system until Monday which meant I wouldn’t be able work at my station until Tuesday. Fortunately there was a pc that would allow me get work done. I felt out of place without my bookmarks and shortcuts but I managed.

So I get through Monday and Tuesday I’m back at my familiar place. I was feeling more at home and felt as if I was getting things done. The one thing that was cumbersome for me the first few days was dealing with the pain. It was more than I thought it would be but as each day passed, the pain decreased. I believe getting back to work was the best thing that could have happened to me physically speaking. Right now I feel like I could do anything, although I know that’s not the case. Driving more I’m sure has something to do with it as well.

Now getting back to sleep for a moment. For some reason, I’m not sleeping through the night since going back to work. First couple of nights I was up at 3 a.m. to drain the fluid and I could not get back to sleep until it was close to the alarm going off at 5. The past few nights have been different but just as bad. I don’t know what this is about but I’m hoping it doesn’t last.

Overall I’m feeling good and should be riding my bike pretty soon. I’ll be glad when I’m able to start my workouts again, but will settle for riding my bike.

Each new day is a blessing to me and I’m not taking them for granted.

Good News

As I mentioned in my previous post, I had a post op follow up with my Cardiologist yesterday. The good news is he gave me the all clear to go back to work. I knew he would but actually hearing the words and holding that paper in my hands made it so much better.

After I left there, I went to my job to finalize my return to work. I had to call HR and fax the paperwork. Karen needed to know if I had any restrictions pertaining to my duties and I told her I’m not allowed to lift anything heavier than 10 lbs. So if lifting a pen or moving a mouse on my desk and shuffling paper or tapping keys on a keyboard counts…I’m well within the perameters.

I’ll tell you what may be my biggest challenge…staying awake at certain times during the day. Right now I get sleepy sometimes late morning or mid afternoon. It will probably take some fight within to overcome and I know it will not be easy. I’m already trying to make the adjustment but I’m losing the battle. I have to remember that I am still healing and this need to sleep will be with me for awhile.

So am I going back to work too soon? Not at all, because the longer I stay home the more I fall into this routine that is sleeping whenever. Once I start working more I will become stronger to make the adjustment.

The operation I had is very commonplace these days, but for me this is major. If I didn’t have the surgery, I would have developed health issues in the future that would be difficult to overcome as I grow older. I am truly thankful that God brought me through all of this and allowing me to heal at this rapid pace.

The doctors are telling me I am in good health. My heart is strong, my lungs are clear and my blood pressure is good. Still, I know anything can happen in life, no matter what foods we eat or how much we exercise. I am blessed to have this opportunity for new life and I hope I can live up to the task.

Misty

Is it in the early of the day?

The center of time which dissects the whole?

Maybe the dark of the night where light is deep

In the far reaches of the universes

It matters not when the mist is made known

Or the ingredients that causes this event

As in the laughter of children at play

The loss of one loved so deep

Viewing a moment as the heart swells

And the mind absorbs all that is before you

Overflowing with emotions want to express

These are eyes that do not run as the falls

But wet just enough, to become misty

My Day Off

My day off from work this week and unlike so many other days like these, I have chosen to actually follow through physically, what my mind has been wanting me to do. I’m writing. I believe this is the longest spell of silence I’ve had since my blogging experience began. So many times since my last post, I opened my dashboard, looked at the stats and clicked the add a post button. Only to close the page and walk away. I just couldn’t follow through with the swing, or make it across the goal line. I do have things I could have written that might be of interest to you, but right now you may be more interested as to why I have been so silent.

Am I feeling sorry for myself? Just the opposite. I’m really pissed off at myself for allowing this to get to this point. I love writing, whether it’s a quick post, poetry, something about my life or life in general. Posting some of my artwork that I still want to improve on and to promote as my own brand, and of course that can’t happen if I’m sitting on my hands.

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image copyright whatruworkinon.com

See that face in the frame? That is how perplexed I feel as to why this is happening. I do have answers and at the same time, I have no clue. I do know I need to break away from this duldrum (not sure if I’m using the correct word) that has gripped me like Charlie Brown’s dark cloud.

I know exercising and eating healthier can influence how we feel physically and emotionally. Saying that, I haven’t been able to workout like I had been because of a health issue that has come to light. I’m not ready to bring it to the forefront on this blog at the moment. I will say that surgery is planned after the first of the year. If your thinking this is the reason for my silence….it ain’t so because it was during the middle of the silence I became aware of my condition. I do plan to document the before and after, maybe for my own benefit.

So because I haven’t been able to workout, I have gained some extra pounds that I can’t wait to shed. I have indulged in some foods (more like snacking) that I could really do without, but I am getting back on track. My mid-section has taken on the bulge. I want to lose at least 5 pounds before the surgery, a goal I believe is realistic without exercise.

I’ve had some tests done over the past couple of months to determine the extent of my condition and what will be needed to get my health to a healthier state. The doctors tell me I am really in good health aside from the fact I need surgery….that is good news.

We’ve come to our slow period at work which means they are keeping a close eye on the hours. Even with insurance, I’m looking at medical bills already but I’m not letting that get me depressed…down a little but not depressed.

Christmas is right around the corner and as an adult, I know what Christmas is really about. Personally, I could care less if I get a single gift. My gift right now is my daily gift from God with every breath I take. But I do have 3 grandchildren who view this time of year differently and understandably so. We will make sure they have a children’s Christmas.

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#My3Grands (photo courtesy of themahoganyway.com)

They grow so fast. There was a time when I could reach out and touch them and hear their laughter, the questions that only a child can ask with a straight face and the cries of pain or disappointment, but now we are states apart. I won’t lie….at my age, it’s nice to have peace and quiet, but I do miss them.

I don’t know if I answered any of the questions you may have as to why I haven’t been posting. There are some elements in my life I’m not totally happy about. Finances, or the lack thereof can bring anybody down. The world’s events that tops the newscasts on a daily basis….and the list goes on….but, even you know these aren’t the main reasons.

I’m generally upbeat and easy going. Laughing (at myself a lot) and making others around me laugh as well. When I do get down, I don’t stay down for long periods. I don’t know why I have allowed myself to stay away from this spot for so long.

I’m anxious to get back into the mix. I don’t want to be this silent anymore. I hope it lasts, but we all know that it’s up to me.

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image copyright whatruworkinon.com

 

Letting Go

Over the years, I had accumulated a vast array of old mail and personal papers that I had intended to shred with a shredder I purchased many years ago. These papers had grown to several boxes and because I didn’t do what I had bought the shredder for in the first place, found their way into closet space. They had also become a regular part of our moving routine as if they were furniture.

You see, I absolutely refused to just throw these papers into the trash. Addresses, phone numbers, social security numbers, tax returns….I was not going to trust this information was not going to end up in the wrong place….that’s why I bought the shredder, right? Oh, I did use the shredder when I first purchased it, and several times thereafter. But the mass of junk mail and docs and notes, and whatever else with our info on it continued to pile.

Over the past 2 months, I sat myself down in front of the television, making sure their was nothing on that I was really interested in so as not to distract me and piece by piece, junk mail by junk mail, box by box ridding myself of this unwanted pile of old.

There were papers dating back to 1997. Old tax returns, vehicle maintenance, credit card apps, you name it. I even came across an old check what seemed to be worth over $2400 dated 2011. I’m pretty sure it wasn’t a real check or there was a catch in order to cash it in the first place, which is why it sat uncashed. But just for giggles, I took it to the bank….it was actually drawn on my present banking institute….to see if it was a valid check. They told me because of the date I would have to take it back to the issuer of the check. I took it back home, go online and the company is still in business. I call and explain that I have a check, not telling them the amount, but I did give the date of said check. I was transferred to someone’s voice mail and I knew then and there all I had was a trophy in my hands. I wasn’t disappointed because I knew I didn’t cash the check for a reason, in the first place.

As I said, over a 2 month period I took all of the old papers to my job and put them into our shredding bin that we are able to use, to finally get rid of a ‘hang nail’ so to speak. It really felt good knowing that was done and now I can use my personal shredder at home to stay on top of unwanted papers.

Sometimes we hold onto old ‘things’ in our everyday living….not paper….that accumulates and hangs around until they become piles of unneeded debris. We can’t or won’t let go. But holding on to those things prevents us from achieving so many new accomplishments that helps us to grow, to become better in life.

It’s just a matter of having a made up mind and taking ‘things’ to the shredder.

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