Bits & Pieces

I've reached a place where I just don't know what to write about. Unraveled Wednesdays are always a high point, but after that I've only got some small bits and pieces. So that's what today's post consists of. 

 

• Do you have a favorite mug? My favorite has a picture of my kids on it and I use it almost every day. Sometimes it needs to be washed or I'm in a mood, so then I use my second favorite one. My mother might be appalled as I was raised to not use language like that; even telling my sister to shut up was considered "bad". But I'm the boss of what I say now, and at 67, there are definitely times when I'm thinking what my mug says. I haven't said it to anyone yet, but I know that day may be coming.
  

• Kat had recommended the 5 calls app if you want to easily make calls to your representatives. I was all set to download it, but it's only for iphone and ipad. If you have an android like I do, the 5 calls people also have a web site that works the same way. I've used it twice this week; all I had to do was input my zip code, choose what issue(s) is/are important to me, and then appropriate phone numbers and scripts are provided. You could spend all day making phone calls, but since I'm retired and have the time at least I feel like I'm taking some action by making a few calls. It may all be for naught but it also makes me feel a tiny bit better. 

• I have been considering deleting facebook and instagram, but just can't seem to bring myself to do it. I never post anything on either site, but I still have a fear of missing out on something that might bring me a little joy, like beautiful yarn. I certainly don't need any more yarn and haven't bought any in quite a while, so maybe someday I'll just do it. Edited to add: I just did it. So long, Mark Zuckerberg.
  

• Speaking of yarn, someone has really messed up the closet in the back bedroom where my stash lives. I have two large bins and a small one for yarn but somehow that has expanded to a plastic chest with drawers and a trash bag. My needles and patterns used to be organized in a small bin and a notebook, but someone has been putting things back willy-nilly, to the point that I have to quickly shut the closet door so it doesn't all come spilling out. I'm envisioning this as at least a day-long project to take everything out, cull the stash, needles, and patterns, and organize it all when I put things back. I'll be ashamed to post before photos of this mess, but if I can get things under control, the after will hopefully be a big improvement. Since I've written it here, I'll need to actually do this (sometime, no promises when it will happen).
  

• There is power in clothing. I've never paid much attention to clothes fashion, but I wear what is comfortable and practical. In the winter, this is almost always some Duluth Trading overalls, a waffle weave shirt or turtleneck, and a Hitchhiker. I was looking through my Hitchhikers and came upon two alpaca cardigans that Ryan had given me for Christmas many years ago. I have been wearing one of them most days for the past week, and in addition to keeping me warm, they somehow make me feel more powerful; maybe grounded is a better word. I noticed this when I was making my phone calls. I don't think I will ever be featured in Vogue, but if it's good enough for Michelle Obama, Taylor Swift, and Audrey Hepburn, then a cardigan is good for me, too.  

• My BiL, Bill, is home after his cardiac adventures at Cleveland Clinic, seeing his doctors at home, starting cardiac rehab., and beginning the long process of recovering and regaining his strength. Thank you all for all of your good wishes and healing thoughts. They do seem to have made a difference and I appreciate all of them. Albert Einstein said, “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” This whole process feels like a miracle to me.

I hope you all have as delightful a weekend as possible. Being happy in spite of the news is a form of resistance and one that I think we have to try hard to preserve.  Please feel free to share any bits and pieces and happiness that is going on in your life!