Only a Shadow...

 

 I have never been a 'joiner.'  Other than the gym, I cannot seem to commit to a club or organization or even a class-long term.  I remember in High School loving to ski with the group once a week all winter, BUT I just couldn't get on the bus and join the others.  What if I didn't feel like it that week?  Who do I have to excuse to?  So, I forfeited the group discount and drove myself to the hill and met up with the gang.  My timing, my control.  And if I didn't feel like conditions weren't good enough for me to doll up and go, I could stay home and sip my hot chocolate.

I once took a tile making class put on by Pewabic Pottery.  I have long admired their work and was very excited to learn how to make tiles.  BUT...every Thursday afternoon, I would get a sick feeling in my stomach and dread going.  The ridiculous thing about it is, that I loved doing it-just hated the 8 week commitment.  

I also joined Families Against Narcotics a few years ago.  I stated right up front that although I loved the work they were doing, I wasn't sure I could commit to all the meetings.  I did for a few years, but now I am way happier in the background, doing things on my own time table.   So much more comfortable for me.

When I mentioned this feeling  to my therapist, she informed me that my fear of commitment is actually a bit of anxiety.  What??  Fear of going to do the things that I love.  Now that's screwed up!

So my big news is that I've joined a book club. Online!  How perfectly perfect!  All the fun without the commitment. No tummy aches as I click on whenever I'm ready. Thank you Allison, for the push I needed.

Now if I could just follow through and commit to those white strips!  (baby steps, baby steps!)  XOXO

Beachin'

 The first annual (we hope!) Dale/Adams Beach Bash happened on this past Saturday.  Three car and truck loads of Adams' came rollin' down the hill to set up for the day.  And what a day it was!  Out came the coolers and lawn chairs, the beach games and the Maui Mat.  The wave runners were launched and ready to play.  The stereo was set up. Beer and snacks found their way to coozies and bowls. 

And what a bash it was!  The waves settled down and the sky was a gorgeous blue.  Lake Huron has never been warmer-thank goodness or you wouldn't have found galpal Shannon and I floating on the Maui Mat!  After a long, sun drenched day, we feasted on pulled pork sliders with coleslaw, cowboy beans and cheesy potatoes.  And hot, gooey double chocolate brownies.

The day ended with sunkissed skin and the bonds of friendship being even further strengthened.  Such a sweet way to de-stress, decompress and enjoy simple things like sun, water, sand, food and drink, and good company.  

The beach is and will always be my medicine, my meditation as well as my happy place.  Thanks to the Adams family for bringing the party.  Y'all are the BEST!  XO

You Sad...

 Often, here at the jspot, I try to keep thinks frivolous and fun....BUT lately, I am finding it very difficult to stay positive while the negativity is rampant!

I am complying with the mask thing-but I honestly hate it.  I also hate how every day more doubts about the effectiveness comes to light.   Can I just hear some simple truth?  The numbers are just too subjective for me to believe.  It's a virus that will never go away.  Period.

I hate that our children will not be able to have a 'normal' educational experience.  We have created a culture of fear and robbed them of their carefree childhoods.  It's so sad.  It's awful that some of our favorite stores and restaurants will not survive.  Family businesses that will just be gone.  Depression, suicide, domestic violence, human trafficking, drug abuse-all by products of this situation.

I hate the rioting and looting and I don't care what the reason is for it.  Lives and people's livelihoods are ruined for no good reason.  Violence never solves anything and I can't believe this behavior that even an animal wouldn't do!  

I am sick to death of the political scene.  I believe the actual 'scene' is as it ever was but I hate that we cannot handle differences in opinions.  Name calling and ridiculing candidates is just bullying in it's basic form.  We all have different lives and different circumstances that make us choose our political affiliations.  And that's okay, but an we please just be respectful?  Golden rule applies once again!

Generally speaking, it seems that respect is an old fashioned notion.  No respect for anyone or anyone's property.  Judgement for everyone!  Division and entitlement!  Self-righteousness and indignation!  

And I HATE it.  Please, if you do not have anything constructive to say-please shut up.  You know what they say about opinions!  Be kind during these trying times.  XOXO

Freestyle...

As a high school student, I specialized in Art and Physical Education.  Shock, right!  I took every available class in both subjects from pottery to square dancing.  And I loved it.  I once did a mixed media piece that hung in the art department for years-one of my crowning life achievements.  I was passable in all artistic endeavors but not really outstanding in any of them.  I still have and art and craft supply cache with everything from oils and canvas to mosaics and clay.  I love to create-even if it's mediocre.  It provides a mindless escape.  That said, it's not too much of a stretch that I also love to paint walls and change mine up often.  On vacation, I haunt the galleries and admire all the fabulous and varied art and am always inspired by the vision and talent. 

  Sooo...this giant lead up and bit of history brings me to this past weekend when brother-in-law extraordinaire Mark needed his hunting blind painted. I was all in.  What else would I be doing on a hot August day?  The above pic shows me about to detail what I hope looks like an autumn sky in a heavily wooded area.  It was so satisfying and I loved it!  Most importantly, Mark was satisfied!

Lately I've been interested in taking an art appreciation course.  (Online of course-I have serious commitment issues!)  And I wish I could make what I see in my mind translate better to my canvas, but until then I'll just be happy painting walls and the random hunting blind.  

Happy August, Dollfriends and remember Earth without 'art' is just eh!   XOXO