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The front door remained closed
The curtains the same.
No reason to go out,
No wish to speak
Warm enough to sleep
Quiet enough to rest
My heart misses a beat
When a figure passes the door.
Watching TV a while
Reading a book to make me smile
Why bother to move
Just have a coffee, a sandwich
And snooze.
Contemplation or hiding?
You choose.
Medium cat (left) and large cat (right) like to sleep on this chair. Usually there is a single occupant, but tonight they are sharing. The little cat is on the floor just exploring to find somewhere to settle down.
I’m glad they tolerate and cope with each other, the small cat is nervous and sometimes has a paw raised to her, but there’s very rarely a squabble and usually they chase together to pay. I think I will go and settle down too. I’m struggling to keep my eyes open, the cats have the right idea. X
I went out today to the health clinic. My friend helped me out so we went off for a hot chocolate afterwards. We were going to one cafe but the road was closed because some buildings are being knocked down. So we took a side street and ended up at Middleport pottery in Stoke-on-Trent.
The cafe there is in one of the old pottery buildings and overlooks the canal. I’m not sure who painted this mural but it is a delicate one that includes the love birds that appear on willow pattern plates and pots.
We sat near the door in a cool breeze and I enjoyed a rest after walking the short distance from the car park over the cobbled roadway to the cafe. I felt like I could start to recover.
I went to my art group for mental wellbeing this morning and decided on the way home because the weather is sunny and burning hot. So I went shopping to save having to go out again later. While I was in the supermarket I treated myself to a chocolate frappachino? Is that what it’s called (milkshake) it was so cold I got real brain freeze! (drawn in Artrage app).
It’s about 30°C outside and I was in the car which was incredibly hot. No air conditioner so I had the windows wide open. I was so tired and overheated when I got home I’ve just come in and kicked my shoes off. Now for a rest!
What time do you go to bed and wake up currently?
I’m not sure when I’m going to bed if I’ll be able to sleep. So therefore I don’t know what time I will wake up! I’ll try and get to bed at the same time each night but then anxiety or pain or other health issues can keep me awake.
Basically I try and sleep on my sides or back, but then find I need to turn over, before having to move again. Never really getting comfortable. I also generally wake up once or twice during the night, which means that I often don’t get back to sleep again.
After a restless night I may sometimes stay asleep till lunchtime. It’s a good thing that I’m not working in a nine to five job!
How do you unwind after a demanding day?
I don’t sleep well at night
But after a demanding day?
I fall asleep in the chair
I close my eyes and hours
Days? Go by…
Sleep is a benefit and a curse
Memories and dreams
Nightmares and revelations
Thoughts and fears
After that I go to bed
Insomnia hits like a brick
And I lie awake for hours.
Long afternoon at the hospital, had to have scans and a biopsy. Now I’ve got to wait a couple of weeks for the result. Got home and look who is keeping me company? Sitting next to me like a sentinel.
I don’t know what the outcome will be, but I have three cats that need me. I intend to recover from whatever I’ve got. I’m grumpy and stubborn enough to look after myself. And I have my little friends for company.
I also have a brilliant lot of friends who have helped and supported me. I would have struggled without them. I’m thankful everyday for their help. Feeling a bit overwhelmed. X
Sit on a bench
Be quiet
Listen to a Robin
Trilling his song.
The wind floats leaves
Wafted from branches
Zig zagging down.
A sudden breeze
Twirls and swirls
In a mini tornado
The gust stops
Leaves settle.
My gaze settles
My breath, released.
How are you feeling right now?
I tried to draw a cat yawning, which made me realise how tired I am at the moment.
If I were a cat I’d have yawned and fallen asleep by now. But I’m doing things, I’ve just eaten my evening meal, and I’m going to be doing things till well after midnight.
But cats have more sense. They come in when they are hungry or cold. They curl up on your lap, or in a little quiet place, a cat bed, or a chair, and then they get up and go out when they have rested. I read somewhere that cats sleep for up to 16 hours a day? I get by on barely 5 usually. Sometimes I’ll catch up. But these last few weeks have tired me out. I realise sleeping on the settee doesn’t help, but I still can’t climb stairs. I wish I could trans(mogg)rify into a cat! I’d get all the rest I need.
How do you plan your goals?
I’ve got to the age where I take each day as it comes. I don’t plan so much because something will always come up and bite you just when you think things are going to be OK so you moderate your expectations.
A few years ago I had plans to finish work and become a successful artist. I am an artist, just not very successful! But I don’t intend to be a business entrepreneur. I paint and draw for pleasure not fame.
I wish I had the skills to plan goals, but when I used to be questioned at job interviews… Where do you see yourself in 5 years I was daft enough to say “still here”. I guess I like a modicum of security.
If you are going to make goals for yourself enjoy them, they may be simple or complex, just look after yourself. X
Mallaband-Brown