Darling friend/beautiful b (& a wave to all),

Gentle reassurances, it’s okay, you’re not talking “too much.” You’re welcome to share anything here, my friend. Daily life, interests & passions, troubles, reflections, etc. Free rein.

I enjoyed reading your latest post. I’m very happy that the weekend has been kinder to you after a very rough Friday.

It must be hard living so far from your friends, & how they have their family commitments. I personally would find that difficult...

But then again, I’m a pack animal at heart. If I wasn’t human, I would be a wolf, because they run in packs ;)

I think it’s fantastic that you dance your heart out in the kitchen. The Mardi Gras is happening right now till the 1 March. So if you feel like hosting a party to celebrate it, now is a good time :)

I’m glad you’re enjoying re-reading Inglorious. It clearly speaks to you...Looking at the sample list, I didn’t know whether I wanted to laugh or cry. I suppose that’s the point...

I’m excited to pick up my copy soon. Please free to share any other insights & comments about the book.

Your garden sounds spectacular, & I love the care, thought & pride you take in it. Your edible garden sounds delicious, especially the silverbeet, garlic, & pumpkins. It must be so satisfying to cook something that you grew from scratch.

Yes, I absolutely agree that dancing is both a good way to process emotions & just have fun. Even more than that, I enjoyed their company. Pack animal, I am ;)

The art thing with my friend was good. It was special to share the experience with him. He knew that it has been a rough time for me, & decided to give me the gift of his time. For his presence, support, & company, I’m grateful.

It has been a rough day today. A sad day, but what do you do? Come what may.

Sometimes I question what I’m doing with my life, & I often wonder if money was no object, what would I be doing? What would we all be doing differently?

I imagine vastly different lives...like it or not, I think money does matter in our society. We need to be able to make a living. Knowing that I have bills to pay prevents a collapse & helps maintain the “functioning” side of me.

I hope you continue to take things day by day. Moment by moment. I hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Do you have any plans, gardening or otherwise, for the upcoming week, my friend?

With love & warm gratitude for your Sunday well wishes xoxox

Hello gorgeous friend ❤

I can imagine that the sadness comes up with varying degrees of strength at different times. It has not been very long since your loss, i imagine it still feels quite strange and raw. There's a paragraph in Inglorious quite early, about the loss of her mother " she had been feeling dislocated ... she understood it was natural process, inevitable and unquestionable, but it knocked her off course ... she missed her mother ... she felt the lack of her like a deep soundless blackness. ... She felt as if a seismic shuft had occurred; the ground had fallem away, revealing depths below, shapes clad in shadow".

Not to say this is how you're feeling, just that it resonated for me in terms of those big gaping feelings of sadness that can arise when someone we love has gone.

I am so glad you had your friend to give you the gift of his presence and timae and attention and care when you went to the art thing with him. That is so lovely.

I've been thinking about you being a pack animal - i thunk i am in some ways, but ican be a total hermit as well, i thunk it depends on my state of mind at the mind. Which is probably all caught up in a cyclical cause and effect thing, no doubt!

I do miss being close by to friends, i like hearing of your jaunts and it does make me a little bit nostalgic.

I often think about how life would be without the pressures of money. Of course we all need it, and yes, the bills can be a way to keep us on track sometimes - i know that's true for me. I have had times of just wanting to lose myself and then bam, back to reality when you go to the letterbox or your inbox. Like Rosa Lane's to-do lists. (Inglorious).

Hiw is the Printed Letter Bookshop going?

I liked the quotes you left on the wirds thread ❤ thank you xo

Oh, forgot to say that the ravioli in the wonton wrappers = absolute hit! I fried a few in a little olive oil and it was so darn yum, such a great snacky-snack! They are going to become a firm fave. Have you tried the plant-based "roast-duck" you can get from the suoermarket? It is so yummy. I am going to try make some kind of dumplings with that inside the wonton wrappers.

How are you feeling midweek or so my friend?

❤
🌻b xo

So, i just read the post i sent you and was Thrilled To Bits with the ninerous errors!! 👍

I did a whole lot of eye-rolling, and then i said to the the boys, (out loud, mind you), :

"Guys!! Can you please get me to spell my checking before i post next time?"

Spell my checking??!!

🤯 what is haaapppening???!!

Darling friend/beautiful b (& a wave to all),

Thank you so much for your comfort, support & encouragement, my friend. I’m very fortunate to have you here :)

Yes, I agree that the loss of a loved one can indeed leave a gaping hole. It’s a strange feeling in our hearts...

Thank you so much for you care, empathy & support, my friend. The feelings do come & go...

Sometimes it’s sadness & sometimes it’s not...I like how you quoted Kaveena describing it as a “seismic shift” in Inglorious. I could relate to the “shift.” Thank you so much for sharing, lovely friend :)

I’m very grateful for my friends, including you. A real blessing in life.

So you’re part hermit & part wolf? I think maybe you enjoy aspects of both worlds, but perhaps it’s also cyclical as you suggested...I’m definitely not a hermit, as I’m a bit too extroverted to ever be one (laughs).

I suppose your inbox is a bit of a harsh reality check, as it is for most of us. Paperwork & finances aren’t fun or inspiring for most people. A necessary evil though...

I have been in a somewhat reflective state. Loss can make you reflect sometimes. Ponder.

Even though the emotions haven’t been particularly pleasant, in some ways, I do feel peaceful. Accepting.

The Printed Letter Bookshop has been disappointing. It’s passable, but I don’t understand the hype. It’s enjoyable enough to read, but utterly forgettable in my opinion. I feel the characters are underdeveloped & stereotypical, & the writing is so-so. It’s saving grace is the storyline, but only just...

I started reading Inglorious, & I know what my overall opinion is yet. But I think it’s really interesting so far, & Kaveena is good at expressing inner turmoil...

Your wontons sound absolutely delicious. Another cooking success story. Love it!

Yes, I have tried plant based roast duck (& plant based nuggets, chicken & fish). I quite like it, as I enjoy the slightly chewy texture. I’m excited for your dumplings. Please let me know how that goes...

Your spelling is perfectly fine. Don’t even worry about it. I think it’s the overall heart of your posts that matters...nevertheless, I’m sure your boys were very supportive & responsive when you asked them to assist you in future ;)

How have you been feeling/doing this week?

Will you be venturing much into your garden oasis?

Thank you for being my friend & for making time for me :)

Love, warmth & care xoxox

but .. but ... but ... : "spell my checking" ?!?!

Dear lovely friend ❤

You do sound pensive. It sounds to me like you are really allowing whatever you need at any moment: seeing friends, reading for leisure, going to work, allowing time for sadness, going dancing, having time for reflection. The feelings aren't always pleasant, but you're honouring them & seem to be taking good care of you in the process.

I was listening to this very interesting talk with the director of the Center for Mind-Body Medicine Dr James S. Gordon, he was talking about techniques that they have proven to heal trauma, they run programs for all sorts of different people, & are doing amazing work in war ravaged regions with incredible results, i think you'd find it interesting cmbm.org is their website. But the reason i mention it here is that he was talking about some meditation techniques they use with people who have experienced trauma, one of which is shaking & dancing, an expressive meditation, & that after a few minutes of this, the vast majority of people start to express emotion, often in the form of tears, showing how powerful movement & physical expression can be in the physiological holding of emotional pain. Relevant to what we were talking about, dance shifting pain sometimes. His talk was very interesting.

I still might give The Printed Letter Bookshop a go if i ever come across it, but i know exactly that feeling of disappointment, especially with the super-hyped books, you're left feeling bewildered at what all the fuss was about.

I agree Kavenna skilfully shows us what it's like in Rosa's mind and the turmoil and desolation she is feeling as she starts to spiral down. I find it very original.

Yes today i am hoping to get back into my veg patch and continue my makeover. I need to get it ready for garlics, as they like to go in before the end of March, so just need to reorganise some sections - it's refreshing, i have changed the look of it a lot. I want to put one more lemon tree in at the top of the veg patch. Did i tell you i have my first avocado on one tree?! Also, my first 4 figs are forming, that littele tree is growing from a branch that my neighbour pruned off his tree and i popped it in the ground. 2 years later, there are fruits forming. Isn't nature amazing?!?!

Have you made any plant based sushi yet? I have never made sushi, would love some tips if you have any!?

Do you have any plans for the next few days or over the weekend?

Ok, now i am going to Spell My Checking:

m-y c-h-e-c-k-i-n-g

Perfect ✔

❤

🌻b xo

Darling friend/beautiful b (& a wave to all),

Spell my checking?

I didn’t even notice that till you pointed it out (laughs). Thanks for giving me a chuckle. Yes, top marks for your perfect spelling ;)

Thank you so much for sharing. It sounds like Dr Gordan’s methods are helping a lot of people. Some groundbreaking techniques & research happening.

Expressive meditation sounds intriguing. I think it makes sense why it’s helping people. Our physiological selves & psychological selves are intertwined, after all...I think that’s why dance helps us connect with our emotions.

I’m very impressed by your passion for your garden. The makeover seems to be coming along nicely. I think you’re wise to follow the seasons to grow your food.

Fresh garlics would be delicious, & lemon trees are really pretty. Congratulations on your 1st avocado! That’s incredible! I hope there will be more...

4 little figs from a pruned branch? Nature sure is an amazing provider, but you also helped it. Nurtured & tended to your garden...joint effort ;)

Thank you, my friend...”come what may” with my emotions is my current mindset. There’s peace in letting go sometimes...

I accidentally came across some old belongings. I could feel this sharp pang. Felt my airways constrict.

Just felt overwhelmed by sudden emotion. I paused & then walked away. It’s a haunting feeling when you’re hit with unexpected reminders of people who are no longer of this world...

Laughs, maybe you’ll enjoy The Printed Letter Bookshop more than me. Sometimes 2 people will read the same book & feel differently about it ;)

Rosa’s grief & anguish is poignant in Inglorious. Her stream of consciousness feels frazzled, lonely & desperate. I feel her desperation & longing...her search for something more...

I keep putting off my sushi making. It has been a while since I have made it. It can be a pretty grounding process. White rice is most common, but black rice is quite tasty too.

I think key is not too overstuff the fillings. Let’s just say the roll will unravel if you go overboard with it ;)

It’s nice in a bento box style meal with veggie tempura, salad, fresh fruit, pickled veggies & miso soup (very small quantities of each). The miso soup can be made plant based if you don’t use fish broth ;)

Is your garden ready for the garlics yet, or is there more to reorganise this week?

What else are you up to this week?

Thinking of you & your beautiful family.

With love, comfort & gratitude xoxox

Hello beautiful friend ❤

When i read your description of you coming across some belongings, i felt it in my chest. To unexpectedly be confronted like that is really arresting - so strange but just a few days before your post, i was talking to my mum, and she had had the exact same experience last week when she was clearing out a linen cupboard, and completely out of the blue were some of my brother's shirts and trousers and she said it just knocked the wind out of her.

Everyday little items that they used, can just jolt you into such a completely other realm when you're not braced for it. Catching you unawares.

How are you feeling the last few days?

I am feeling a bit inspired to try making sushi, by which i really mean nori rolls ... yim, i love tempura veg and the bento box yumminess! I use miso paste a lot in different recioes but have never made miso soup, so you have inspired me again!

Yum i love the vegan "roast duck" in vietnamese-style cold noodle salads, also in rice paper rolls, or with rice and asian-greens with a soy/sesame dressing. That one is a fave product of our household, i love its chewy texture.

I have some more to do in the veg patch before i plant the garlics, must get a wriggle on.

I was expecting Rabbits For Food to arrive on Friday, i am tapping my foot about it ...

Do you have any nice plans for the week?

Do you have any series that you enjoy watching? mrs b and the boys and i have been re-watching a series we love, This Is Us. Have you seen it? I think it us full of heart of and life and so well acted and great writing, funny, sad, compassionate, heart-wrenching, clever.

I enjoyed Inglorious alongside you, we should do that again some time if we can.

❤

🌻b xo

At the end, what i meant to say was that i enjoyed reading Inglorious alongside you, i thought it was fun to be reading the same book at the same time and i would like to do that again some time.

Darling friend/beautiful b (& a wave to all),

I feel for you & your mum. I feel relics of the past can be confronting, especially when you find them unexpectedly. Little snippets of an old life...memories...pierces tthe heart.

That must have been hard for your mum. I can imagine some of her grief & pain...& yours too.

Can I ask, how have you been feeling since your mum shared that moment with you?

You don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to, but I’m listening & here for you if you do want to talk. Absolutely no pressure to share though...

This Is Us is obviously a family favourite in your household. I think it’s really nice how you all get together to watch it, human & non-human family members alike ;)

I looked up the synopsis, & it sounds heartfelt, but also sad. Then again, I think almost everything feels sad these days, so my comments about sadness aren’t necessarily valid (laughs). I hope you’re enjoying the re-watch :)

I’m not really watching anything at the moment, but I loved The Good Place. It’s funny, but also clever. I think a lot can be learnt about life in it. It’s my lazy way to try to learn about life- consume pop culture ;)

I love bento boxes, as I like the variety. A bit of everything. If you make sushi &/or miso soup, I would love to hear how your cooking adventure goes.

Oh yes, plant based duck is very versatile! It all sounds delicious, especially your rice paper rolls. I’ve only ever had it in stir fries, but there are clearly many options...

Sigh, this week is a busy one at work. I’m grateful for employment, but my gratitude revolves around the monetary benefits & not much else (laughs).

I’ll meet a friend for lunch during the week, see another friend on a time off in lieu day & spend time with family & a group of friends on the weekend.

Hopefully, Rabbits for Food arrives soon, & that you’ll get something out of it. It was nice reading Inglorious at the same time, & being able to exchange thoughts about it. I agree that it would be nice to do that again some time with another book :)

Speaking of Inglorious, I think Rosa seriously needs better friends...I would have added “get better friends” on her list.

I recognised aspects of myself in both of Rosa & Bunny (Rabbits for Food). The main difference is they unleash whereas I rarely do...

How is your week looking, my friend?

Thank you, as always, for making time for me. That means a lot. It really does.

Sending love to you & your gorgeous family xoxox

Hello beautiful friend,

I understand the feeling that everything is sad, even the fun stuff is sad. I get it. It's like everything has been rinsed in a sepia wash or something. 

It's really lovely that you have so many friends & nice events to remind you of the love and good things that fill your life - your outings with friends & family, spemnding your day off with someone whose company you enjoy. It sounds very  nurturing. 

Do you still have much to do with your void-fillers and/or leeches?

Thank you for asking, i felt really sad for my mum more than anything. I do miss my brother, but i kind of chat to him a bit, & on his bday etc i cook something he would like & set a playlist of his favourite music. I miss him but i am at peace with it. I have a spot on the beach that i go sometimes, it has sort of become his spot for me, not that i ever was there with him, bit i went there at the time he passed & said my own goodbyes to him at that spot,  so it has become special for me.

Did you decide on how to have your own personal goodbye or ceremony after the funeral of the person you love who has gone?

I watched the trailer for The Good Place, & read the synopsis - it looks & sounds good, i have ordered the first season from the library.

Rabbits For Food arrived this morning! I've read a few chapters & i like it so far & have had a few lols already.

I agree, Rosa really needs some new friends!! Even those "really nice ones" up in the country, even they didn't take long to make her feel dreadful & want to drink all the vino did they?  The poor darling.

Same applies to Bunny maybe, even by page 35, she gets the email from her friend telling her "we all have bad days. You're not special.  Pull up your pants and get over it". So nice!! So understanding, empathic,  compassionate!!

I too, can relate to aspects of Rosa, & Bunny too already. I was telling mrs b last night that i feel like my head is about to explode with all the things i feel weighing on me from my to-do list.  I started writing them all down last night before i went to sleep,  ("Unearth the TEMP!!" haha). I did it like a purging, it was good,  sort of (i wrote a lot of things! danger of overwhelm!) , but each in themselves is not a big deal - just like those quotes you left the other, old Winnie the Pooh et al. - you know. 

I have another book by Joanna Kavenna, Come To The Edge in my To-Read pile, not sure if the synopsis appeals to you to read together some time, or do you have something you want to read that i could look for as well? 

I hear you with being grateful for the money coming in, but not feeling fulfilled perhaps in the job. Do you have any plans to try something different? You mentioned ideas of a change, zoology or vet science? Only if you feel like talking about it.

Oh, your "Shall i go to Paris" tree is growing well in the back garden - how are your thoughts growing in that regard?

I tried the Plantasia "roast pork" (i hate even saying that, but it's what it's  called ...) today in rice paper rolls because they didn't have in stock the "roast duck" (shudder as well ... i even put them in air quotes when i say it out loud) - it was really yummy as well.

Better stop.

Love❤

🌻b  xo

Darling friend/beautiful b (& a wave to all),

I think it’s beautiful & moving how you honour your brother’s memory. It must be hard knowing that you’ll never meet him again this life time,

Even if you feel at peace, I don’t think we ever stop missing loved ones. Not really ...

That special spot on the beach is sacred. A place for just you & your brother. Beautiful. A place to reflect & connect with his memory in your own way...

No, not yet. I know it’s silly, but I want my little ceremony to be “perfect”...nothing seems to be good enough yet...

Your to-so list sounds extensive. I suppose it left you with mixed feelings. But yes, if you “take care of the small things, the big things take care of themselves”

Gentle & easy does it though, my friend. You’ll get there. I believe in you. Rome wasn’t built in a day ;)

I’m very happy you’re getting something out of Rabbits for Food. Yes, I agree with you about Bunny’s friends...

As for Inglorious, I’m actually up to the part where Rosa is staying with her married friend in the country. That whole dynamic feels strained to me. I don’t think they have bad intentions, but they seemed a little smug & insensitive at times...

Not sure if it‘s just me or is there something a bit sinister about that scene?

Your plantasia roll was clearly a success! It sounds so good. You always make such tasty meals :)

Vet science would be incredible! But that would mean a new qualification. Understandably, it’s not a course that can be done online. As I still need to make a living, I wouldn’t be able to do it realistically.

I was thinking about doing something creative. Building my portfolio & skills. I don’t want to subject myself to poverty, so I’m going to be strategic about it.

I think that I’ll be visiting a friend who lives far away (instead of Paris). I haven’t seen her in ages, so even though we keep in touch regularly, it’s not the same as seeing someone in person.

Good news, I haven’t seen my void fillers & leeches much lately ;)

I value human connection above so many other things. Home is about people. That’s home. It’s not necessarily a place, but it’s where my pack is. Wolves run in packs, after all.

Come to the Edge looks intriguing. What an unusual story line. I would be interested to read it; I’ll try to find a copy.

Thank you for chatting with me, lovely friend. You’re always appreciated & cherishedx

How is your week looking? Do you have any plans to garden, picnic, cook, dance, etc?

With love xoxox

Hi beautiful friend,

Here is my hand, take hold. I will sit with you in your sadness. You sound flat and maybe drained. I want you to know you are in my heart and thoughts. I know you are hurting.

No, that does not sound silly in the slightest.  You can take as much time as you want or need. When it feels right, that is the time that it will be right.  Not to say that you will want to do it this way, but you could also do a series of small things/honourings/offerings/ceremonials, that add up to a whole, over time, or tell a story of sorts. If that makes sense.  

I did something similar when i had to say goodbye to my closest friend a few years ago. I couldn't seem to conjure the perfect offering, so i did it in small acts, each i tried to make as perfect as i could. Examples were: a weeping cherry blossom i planted in a special place; a piece of art i created; a small private ceremony at a favourite lookout. 

I couldn't seem to create the perfection i wanted in a big "ceremony", so broke it down. It helped me, & maybe in some ways it eased my anguish by allowing myself to do it bit by bit. Doing it all at once may have felt too big, too final, i don't know. I was a mess at the time - i guess i could only cope with breaking down the enormity of the pain i felt saying goodbye, into smaller sections or something like that.

I thought i would share that in case it helped you in some way.

There is no hurry, no matter what or how you decide to do it.

I agree that subjecting yourself to poverty (à la Rosa!) would not be a perfect plan. Building your creative/artistic portfolio and skills sounds nurturing, fulfilling and achievable. It's a good goal. Now that you've decided not to go to Paris, you could divert some of the $ you were going to spend doing that, towards your creative endeavours.

How lovely to have the visit to your friend to look forward to, after not seeing her for so long, i am happy to hear that you have that on your horizon.

Hmm, when Rosa goes to visit the couple in the country, i found it such an arresting juxtaposition of their jolly, "delightful", wholesome rural life against Rosa's solitary, intensely private turmoil. I was expecting her to be embraced in this nurturing loveliness, cared & fawned over - but the scene at the dinner table just showed their ignorance i think, the way they told of Grace & Liam's visit, so insensitive! " 'They say you were depressive, overbearing, self-obsessed,' said Will. He was so natirally congenial that he smiled as he said it."  They live in a different universe!!

What did you find sinister about the scene? I felt my anguish for her escalating so much, because i had anticipated that getaway as being a reprieve for Rosa, somewhere she could catch her breath, the poor darling.

I have just read the NYE dinner party scene with Bunny &Albie's awful "friends" at The Red Monkey. Oh Em Gee-ness. These people! The convo about the "tradizionale" vs "condimentos" balsamic vinegar  And Trudy stoops to using the commercial grade to make her salad dressing at home ("Oh Trudy, how could you?!")  😂  & then Bunny "wonders how much longer she can sit at a table with 5 people engaged in passionate discourse about balsamic vinegar, the answer to which turns out to be three seconds." I don't blame her.

Great, let me know when you get a copy of Come To The Edge, we can read it together.

Do you have any books lined up on your To-Read list?

I think i might be running out of room here, but i will tell you that i achieved 2 small things off my list today which were anxiety bugs for me 👍(i didn't unearth the TEMP though 👎)

Character counter doesn't work, so, better go for now.

Love ❤

🌻b  xo

Darling friend/beautiful b (& a wave to all),

Thank you, my beautiful friend. Your love & comfort is gratefully accepted.

Sigh, what’s that famous quote?

We fight to hold on & we fight to let go.

I think when we have lost someone, it goes back & forth between holding on & letting go sometimes...

I’m deeply sorry for the loss of your closest friend. They clearly meant the world to you, & it must have been excruciating & heartbreaking. A devastating loss...

It was an absolutely gorgeous gesture that you honoured your friend through small acts. Small acts to honour them & help you process your feelings. A staggered farewell...gorgeous...

Congratulations on ticking 2 anxiety inducing items off your list. Well done! I’m very proud of you :)

Can I ask what were they?

The country couple just felt like an odd match for Rosa in the book. Even before she set foot in their home, I had this feeling of foreboding.

She hasn’t seen them in a while, didn’t really kept in touch, & they seemed as though they were on different life paths...what did they even have in common anymore, aside from shared history?

I just had an inkling that they wouldn’t understand Rosa...& they didn’t...

Maybe the sinister feeling was I was wondering if they were pretending to be happier than they actually were?

I wish we could ask the author (laughs)... only she would know...

I remember the NYE scene in Rabbits for Food. That was both comical & sad. Her friends were pretentious with the balsamic vinegar. But then again, that convo isn’t that different to real life ones I’ve heard (laughs).

What I love about Bunny is how she sees through people. She sees through people’s egos & platitudes. It doesn’t make her the most pleasant person to be around, but she sees things.

Thank you, I’m just trying to be pragmatic with the whole gradual introduction of a creative career. I want it to be economically viable in the long-run, so I have to be smart. I want to be financially stable & comfortable in years to come.

I don’t actually have a reading list, unless the unread & semi read books on my shelves count (laughs). I usually try to obtain a book as soon as my interest is piqued, so I don’t really have a list ;)

Let me know how you go about tackling your to-do list if you like :)

How have you been feeling the past week or so, my friend?

Thank you enormously for your constant support, love & friendship. I am grateful.

I think of you often & send my love & blessings, my friend xoxox

Hello my gorgeous friend!

I just wanted to write a quick note to you to tell you i am thinking of you and i will reply to your latest post soon.

How are you doing with everything, sweets? I hope you are ok and being good to yourself.

I am ok, but i have just had a stressful couple of weeks, it seems like one thing after the other went haywire, not domino effect but some similar thing if the dominos weren't next to each other or something. Maybe if someone just upturned the table that the separate dominos were on, but in slow motion.

Wanted to quickly check in and remind you that you are loved.

❤

🌻b xo

Darling friend/beautiful b (& a wave to all),

You’re wonderful, really you are...thank you for making time to see how I’m doing, despite clearly going through some things yourself.

Gentle hugs...I’m grateful for your friendship & think of you often...

You sound as though you have a lot going on, my friend...I think one issue is stressful enough, but to have multiple issues arising at the same time is a lot.

I feel it would be overwhelming & perhaps draining...I wonder if you’re feeling a bit tired, lovely friend...

I’m struggling with the whole social distancing advice to help “flatten the curve” of COVID-19. I completely get why & I agree with the advice, but it’s doing my head in.

Most of us need social contact & to get out & about. But perhaps it’s a little bit more pronounced for extroverts.

I feel like I’m starting to lose it...there’s a meme that says “check in on your extroverts- we’re not okay.” Laughs...I could relate...

I shouldn’t be going anywhere except work & necessary reasons. I feel like I’m about to lose it...I can’t remember being this excited to go to work, & I don’t even particularly like my job. But we are starting to transition to partial work-from-home days...so watch me unravel...

One of my most effective forms of self care (& what has helped me managed grief & other life difficulties) is regular quality time with loved ones, but now I can’t do that...social distancing & all...

But I have to follow it. This isn’t about me. I feel we all have to do our part to help slow the spread, protect the most high risk groups & not overwhelm the already stretched hospitals, doctors & nurses.

Thanks again for being such a good friend. Sorry about my complaining. Me and social distancing is a stressful combination. Really bad...

How have things been this week for you, lovely friend?

Have you been able to get out into the garden or practice self care?

Sending safety, love & protection to you and your gorgeous family xoxox

Hello lovely Peppy and sweet birds...🤗..

I feel a little awkward coming to visit you..I read mostly here but feel bad I haven’t been here to support or talk to you for a while...

Peppy....our sweet Birdy said you are loved..that is so true you are loved sweetheart..also dear sweet birdy...I want to let you know that you are also loved...I hope you both know that..💜🤗..

Peppy... I’m sorry your struggling with the COVID-19 virus and not moving around a lot...Maybe take this time to self care yourself...do something that you’ve not had the time to do that you put on the back burner while your working..

Is it possible to talk to your family and loved ones by that phone thingy that you can see each other when talking..Sorry I don’t know the technical word for it😂..

Im okay with staying at home..I’m used to it..but for someone that’s used to outs every so often it will be hard for them...I wish I could help you with some suggestions..

Birdy...I hello sweety...I hope things get easier for you soon...It’s aweful how things seem to go haywire at times...I hope your garden is thriving, I have only i tomato plant left after the drought..and a pumpkin plant..that’s taking over my backyard😁.. no pumpkins on it yet....Im looking forward to pumpkin soup when they decide to grow....I’m a learner at gardening..

I bought you both a picnic hamper..Olives, crackers, garden salad..and a bottle of wine...I know not the same but maybe you can both pick a time....then think about sitting together under a cherry blossom tree on a picnic blanket and enjoying each other’s beautiful caring company...

My love to you both...💜..Please stay safe..🤗.

Grandy..

I should have checked before I posted..I’m sorry auto correct wins a lot of the time..

Suppose to read..Hello lovely Pepper and Sweet Birdy..

Grandy..

Hi gorgeous Grandy (& a wave to all),

Thank you so much for the visit. It’s lovely to see you here. The crackers & olives will go perfectly with the wine :)

Laughs, I don’t have COVID-19 (not that I know of at least ), but social distancing is something that all of us have been advised to practice to try to slow its spread & protect higher risk groups ;)

I’m about to start climbing walls soon. I’m not good at this social distancing business (clearly). What I want is for this to be over, so I can go out & see my friends & family in person...

Oh yes, I’m assuming you mean Skype or face time? Yes, they’re both options, but what I value most is spending time together on an activity...can’t do that though...

I’m keeping in touch regularly with them, but it still doesn’t quite do it for me...

I’m not really a homebody. I don’t mind being home if I get to go out most days, but I feel trapped. I feel claustrophobic if I’m home too much...

An ex & I used to never see eye-to-eye on this. He complained that I was “always out” & I complained that he “never left the couch” (laughs).

I think it’s a really good skill that you’re mostly content at home :) It’s not something this I am good at...

Thank you for the love & care. You’re appreciated, lovely one...

Love,

Pepper xoxo

Hello beautiful friend!
Hello gorgeous Grandy!

Hey Grandy, i liked it when you called me birds! It's like when Deebi calls you Grandz. Or when you & Aunty Deebsta call me Tweets! You can call me birds any old time you like 😃

Also, absolutely no reason whatsoever to feel awkward in any way - it's lovely to chat to you, & your picnic basket of goodies is perfect 👌 yummo. What a lovely idea to think of sitting (virtually) under a tree & enjoying a picnic together! I'm definitely up for that!

Well i hope you get some pumpkins Grandy, but i feel it's getting a bit late in the season for it to produce much - they usually form in the summer ready to harvest in autumn. Sometimes they don't form i think when there's not enough pollinators like bees around. You can help them out by hand pollinating: just choose a male flower & put it into a female flower so that the pollen rubs off inside. You can google how to do it, it's easy.

Now, i am "checking in on our extrovert", so my friend: how are you doing today?

Is that you i can see halfway up the wall there with your climbing gear on?

I can understand how stir crazy you might be feeling.

It's just one of those things at the moment isn't it, we're all a bit stuck. Are you feeling inspired to channel some of that frustration into some creative projects & simultaneously distract yourself?

I picked up a Print Workshop book 2nd hand online, it arrived uesterday, so i am going to look at some projects in that to get some inspo, & start to use the time like Kitty O'Meara suggests.

I've just planted anoother bed of garlics, a few if the first ones i put in are just startung to poke through, i always find that exciting, even though they stay in the ground for 7 or more months! Small joys!

Ooh, here's another exciting thing. Are you ready for this? I discovered a new vegan yoghurt: Cashew Blueberry Acai by alpro. It is cashew based rather than coconut or soy based. Have you tried it? It's worth a go my friend. I put it in a smoothie this morning: delish.

I'll be checking in on you again later, my extrovert!

❤
🌻b xo

Hello Gentle Peppy and sweet Birds...🤗..

I ams so appreciated of you both for you kind words and acceptance of me....Hey Birdy...I would love to call you Birds..it’s cute...like you...I think pet names make us feel just that little bit more accepted, loved, cared for...

Thank you for letting me know about the pumpkin patch...It just kinda popped up after all the rain..so at least now..um I can stop checking it daily for pumkins to be born.😂😂..Ooh..I planted the ends of the shallots I used in a fried rice..and they are growing...yippie...green thumb here I come.😂..

Peppy..I’m sorry..if I wrote wrong..I knew you didn’t have the virus and am so happy that you don’t.. everyone reading as well...

Climbing up the wall gave me a smile ....I imagined you like Spider-Man gripping the wall half way up...and not knowing which way to go....I’m not sure if you like DVDs ..Does a movie marathon sound good..sitting or laying down..with a big bowl of popcorn and your choice of beverage, under a comfy doona and watching some movies that you like..or some YouTube vids..,I like watching cats, dogs, birds, animals just being themselves..they can be funny and help you have a giggle or two..😂..

Today is a perfect Autumn day...Sun shining brightly, gentle cool breeze and noisey cockatoos in the gum tree...I hope where ever you both are your day is a beautiful day..

Sending my love, care and hugs to you both..and anyone reading..💜🌈🤗..

Grandy...🕊🌱..

Hi lovely people,

Darling friend/beautiful b: That book sounds wonderful. I’m excited for you. I would love to hear how your print project goes...

Congratulations on your garlic. It must be so rewarding to plant them & watch the progress. Nature is beautiful :)

I have seen cashew yoghurts around, but haven’t tried it. I’ll definitely keep that in mind when I need to do a grocery shop. Sounds delicious!

I’m not feeling inspired at all, as it’s hard to feel inspired when I’m feeling claustrophobic...

Every time that I think about heading out, I ask myself “is this essential ?” Sighs...

Kitty O’Meara has some wonderful ideas, but it’s really more for introverts & homebodies...I like her sentiment, but it’s not necessarily easy to implement if you’re used to being out a lot...

What is dominating my mood/mind is how I feel so trapped that I don’t have energy to create. My mind just keeps thinking, “I want to leave my home!”

So yes, that’s me climbing up the wall (laughs). It’s not so much the virus that makes anxious, but the confinement to one space...

Thank you for thinking of me & checking in on this cranky extrovert (laughs).

What else do you have planned this week, & have your previous stressors eased?

Love you xoxox

Gorgeous Grandy: well spotted, I’m like spider man with the wall climbing ;)

Gentle hugs, it’s okay, don’t worry about it...thank you...

I love that you have your movies. It sounds as though they really lift your spirit.

Sorry, I’m afraid that I’m not much of a movie buff. I don’t mind a movie or show from time to time, but I don’t really watch shows regularly. It’s because my mind wanders a lot during movies & shows...

I find books & creative endeavours work better for me, as I’m “doing” something if that makes sense...but not feeling too inspired right now as I feel really trapped...

I’m glad you’re enjoying the weather. Your surroundings sound picturesque...I love cockatoos. Beautiful...

Love & care accepted & reciprocated...thank you, lovely one...

Anyway, off to climb walls now ;) xoxo

Hey beautiful friend,
Hey gorgeous Grandy.

Spoiler alert: this is going to be a really crappy post.

I just want to touch base with you though, see how how our extrovert is managing.

I saw on your 30secs thread that you got out and about which helped your wellbeing, I'm glad.

I know there's conflicting advice floating, but i thought meeting up woth 1 or 2 friends is ok, if you keep the 1.5m rule, you're all healthy and especially ok if you're outside - maybe meet up for a walk or a picnic?

It's your decision, and i knkw there's advice coming out from other countries that go against what we've been told about social distancing ... anyway ...

I just wanted to check in.

I'll reply to both of your posts later ❤

🌻b xo
🌻birds xo

Darling friend/beautiful b (& a wave to all),

Lovely friend, perhaps the question should be how are you doing?

I know that it hasn’t been an easy time for you, & that you’re still readjusting to daily life...it’s going to be a long road for you, my friend...gentle hugs

Not that I really understand or know what it feels like, but I’m holding my hand out to you & you have a friend in me. I know it’s not much when it comes down to it, but it’s still (a little) something...

I’m always here listening if you ever feel like chatting about anything. Hugs, my friend...

I’m trying to manage my claustrophobic feelings... I feel as though the walls are about to close in on me (laughs), as I don’t deal well with feelings of confinement...

Part of what has helped me with a recent loss is having close friends & family around, but a huge chunk of my support system has been cut off for an indefinite period...

Yes, theoretically, being outdoors and maintaining at least 1.5m distance is okay. The only issue is that I have to cross paths with a lot of other people to get to any park or beach, so I’m trying to be cautious...

I’m not that worried about me or my fiends, but about the risk of unknowingly infecting people who are immunosuppressed (i.e. if we had it & just didn’t know or had not developed symptoms yet). That’s my real concern...

As for extended family, some are 60+ or have health issues, so I’m not seeing them (for now) for their sake...just in case...I just don’t want to take that risk.

Better safe than sorry though ;)

But in good news, On the Edge arrived. So if I can get my mind to stop fixating over my irrational fear of confinement in the one space (laughs), maybe we can both read it some time?

I was feeling claustrophobic today (nothing new) & I just wished silently to the sky/universe/whoever to give me a sign that everything was going to be okay.

Not long after my wish, I saw 2 of the most precious white butterflies. Their white wings were lined with black edges.

First two butterflies that I had seen in 2020 :)

Thank you so much for making time for me, and being here for me, especially when I know you’re hurting, traumatised and struggling to get out and about...

If it’s too much to respond to my older posts, that’s okay, just gently let it go, my friend. It’s okay....it really is...

Thinking of you, sending hope and love xoxox

Thanks darling.

I will respond to older posts, (because i want to), but fir now chattimg feels good.

I totally understand and completely agree with your decision about going out!! I actually don't think we're doing enough, as a nation, considering what other countries are doing ...but definitely better to be safe than sorry.

I understand your worry for your family members, I'm worried too. I am not sure the my parents are taking it seriously enough, which is a worry with their age and health issues. Looks like mum's cancer might be back, and dad's got heart probs etc.

Anyhoo ... Come To The Edge! Oh i have a confession, i started it without you! I was going to tell you yesterday and then forgot!

It is so "out there"!! Wooh!! jeez louise!!

I hope it can distract you a little from your cabin fever?

I know you're not into movies so much etc, but have you watched the series "The Durrells"?

❤

Darling friend/beautiful b (& a wave to all),

Lovely friend, a big hug. I‘m very sorry that your mum’s cancer has returned. Also, your dad’s heart issues. That is very worrying... the uncertainty of it all can’t be easy...it’s heavy...

Sigh, I feel sometimes the lower risk groups are more worried than higher risk groups...it’s a strange time in this world...

I agree that maybe, as a nation, we aren’t taking social distancing as seriously as we should. The whole point is to “flatten the curve,” but everyone needs to play their part for that to happen...

Wow, excuse me, you started reading the book without me?

Laughs, you’re forgiven this time but please don’t make a habit of it ;)

The book sounds trippy, which probably matches my current state of mind (laughs).

I haven’t watch The Durrells. Is that something you have been watching?

How is your cooking going and have you felt inspired by your new art print book?

With love xoxox

😃 ikr?! How dare i? Sorry!! But i did start it without you - it's really trippy. I'll wait to hear when you've started it b4 i say anything further.

Yes, the older generations can be stubborn, cynical, etc, mine seem to have a "she'll be right" attitude which is good at times, but also frustrating at others. How about your elders? What's their attitude?

I am about to start Season 4 of The Durrells. It is the sweetest series! Set in Corfu, it's so quaint and lovely. It took me a few episodes to get into it, but then i adored it!

This Is Us i know I've already raved about to you (such a beautiful series).

Just thought I'd mention some, you might want to look up during this "in iso" time!

I watched a few episodes of The Good Place, it took me a couple to get into it, but i think it's better as it goes along. Kristen Bell is vegan so: 👍👌👍😃

Our friends recommended a series called Grace and Frankie, they said it was brilliant. We watched almost all of season 1 and laughed maybe twice, so ... i don't know. I read reviews that said it gets better with age (i think it's up to season 7 now) ... so maybe we'll give it another go. Have you seen it?

Oh, the print workshop book looks awesome! It's so practical and straightforward, so i reckon I'll definitely try a project or two over the coming days. Will keep you posted! Do you have any ideas lined up yet?

Cooking? I went nuts the other day and made a few different curries to put in the freezer, amd made some pies/pastries also, was in the mood.

Maybe you could use home-time to experiment with a new plantbased recipe???😉😉😉

Hello Birds..

Sweetheart I’m sorry to hear that your mums cancer is back...that’s so sad..my dil is fighting brain cancer..and it’s a horrid disease...my heart goes out to you...also with your dad and his heart problems.....So much sadness to deal with....my best wishes for them both...

Hello Peppy...How beautiful is that..that your both reading the same book....I wonder if you both get the same interpretations about the book....

Good night lovely ladies...I really hope that you both have a peaceful and happy week end....same goes for all listening...

Love to you both...with some comfy hugs..and a beautiful rose wash 🌹🌹..

Grandy...xx

Darling friend/beautiful b (& a wave to all),

As trippy is my current state of mind, I’m sure that I’ll enjoy Edge of the world :)

Sigh, I don’t know about other families. But in mine (as it seems to be in yours), quite a few have a somewhat flippant attitude towards it.

It’s a bit worrying...the attitude amongst some of my older extended family is a warped sense of invincibility. That “everyone else” will contract it, but not them...

I’m glad you’re enjoying your shows. I looked up The Durrell’s, & it does seem like an interesting storyline. Somewhat different to a lot that’s out there :)

I watched a bit of Grace & Frankie. I enjoyed the interesting characters, but it felt a little repetitive after a while so I stopped watching it...the cast were incredible though in their roles.

So happy that the print workshop is giving you good ideas. Nothing like a bit of inspiration. I would I love to hear updates on your project if you don’t mind sharing :)

I’m impressed by your enthusiasm & productivity. That is a lot of cooking. I’m sure the curries, pies & pastries are all very tasty. Well done!

A couple of my friends are also feeling claustrophobic, so in a way, it’s comforting to know it’s not just me. We are making plans to celebrate when this whole thing settles...sadly not any time soon...

I think, if I can manage the anxiety (claustrophobia), I’m hoping to draw more. There are some skills that I wish to refine for a move towards a more creative career. I’m figuring out my plan...I have a vision.

My ultimate goal is mastery. Not to compete with anyone else, but against the standard that I hold myself to...

I‘m not necessarily learning anything new, but refining what I know. I suppose that’s learning too though...

I want to do what I do really well...I’m nowhere near “there” yet though...

If there are any easy plant based recipes, feel free to share. I won’t be too far from the kitchen these days ;)

It was nice to chat...

Sending love xoxox

Hi gorgeous Grandy (& a wave to all),

Sorry, I didn’t see your post when I was relying to birdy, hence posting again. Sorry about that. I hope that’s okay...

Thank you, lovely birdy actually recommended the book to me & suggested we could both try to read it. So credit goes to her for the ingenious idea ;)

Your love, hugs & well wishes are felt by me, & I’m giving you some warm hugs as well.

Thank you for thinking of me. I hope you’re being gentle with yourself especially as your dil is struggling. I know how worried you are, but I know she is surrounded by love & that counts for something...

Love and care,

Peppy xoxo

Hi beautiful friend ❤
Hi there Grandy ❤

Thank you both for your wishes about mum and dad.

Mum had a scan done yesterday and yes the cancer is back, so more surgery and treatment coming up for her unfortunately.

I'm worried of course about all the extra people she will be exposed to and have to come into contact with because of it.

This whole scenario is pretty scary.

Pep are you able to work from home at all now? A couple of friends are now doing that. Which is great because up until last Friday they had to commute on busy trains ...

How are you holding up with everything?

I might write again a bit later, i just wanted to check in with you, say hello and send love ❤ also battery is nearly flat, so I'll save the rest for later.

❤
🌻b xo

🌻birds xo