A Spring Bucket List

I like the idea of a bucket list as long as I can view it as suggestions and not absolutes. I don't want to be forced into doing something, fail, and feel guilty for failing. Okay, so maybe I still have some issues to work on. With that proviso, here's my list.

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1. Clean out and restock my bird feeders. Every year I do a finch sock, songbird feeder, and a hummingbird feeder. I enjoy watching them throughout the spring, summer, and fall.

2. Plant some daffodil bulbs. I know they won't bloom this year, but I keep meaning to do this because they are my favorite flower and I don't have any in my yard.

3. Create a fairy garden.  My bff sent me this picture and I now I really want one.

4. Lay on a quilt in the grass. It sounds a bit silly, but it's something I love doing, but rarely take the time to make it happen.

6. Ride my bike at least once a week. I got a new bike right before all the snow and ice hit us this winter. I've been out on it several times already, and I want to keep it up.

7. Read some non-intellectual literature. Not necessarily bad lit, just casual and relaxed. Suggestions?

8. Sort through my spring clothes and create some new looks. 

9. Finish up those spring sewing projects before summer gets here.

10. Drive with the top down as much as possible. Still loving my Fiat convertible.

linking up with Writer's Workshop

A Work in Progress . . .

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Springtime

What is my favorite time of year and why . . . 

Spring. Because my birthday falls early in March. As a kid I always felt all that new beginning stuff surrounding spring time was just for me! A celebration of my arrival and life on this planet. 

Spring brings out the kid in me most years. The sunshine and warm breezes. The flowers and trees starting to bloom. There's an anticipation that comes with spring, different from any other season. 

This year's been tough so far. We've have mostly dark, cold, snowy days it feels like, and that's unusual for us in my neck of the woods. But my husband brought me purple tulips the other day, and they're sitting on my desk in a Ball jar assuring me that the anticipation is warranted. And will Spring will shine soon enough.

linking up with 31 day blog challenge

26 :: may

a taste of something new while enjoying spring air

pretty flowers with happy items

 kitchen happiness

 my new favorite summer treat

 hooky goodness

 memories

 reminders of dh's talent and love

 a happy little trio in my bedroom

  dragonfly napkins (or serviettes!)

 blooming hosta

my porch swing

All good reminders of how precious and full my life is. No moment need be squandered as there is always something lovely to see.

Happy weekend!

inspired by beauty that moves

diary of 5

I am seeing... a beautiful late spring day

I am hearing... the washer running

I am smelling... home

I tasted... English breakfast tea

I am feeling... fairly content

dh and ds at Devil's Tower in Wyoming

Old Habits and Springtime

It's Sunday and I don't usually post on Sundays. A lot has been going on in my head lately, and I haven't been taking the time to address it. As a child, I learned to ignore the bad stuff that happened and brush it aside whenever it would return to my psyche. Old habits die hard. I've been brushing stuff aside lately, and it doesn't really work. It's a temporary fix that bleeds over into other ways of coping. For me that usually includes beating up on myself, overeating, vegetating, and sleeping too much. It also includes isolating myself. I figure if I don't want to be around me, why would anyone else.


The weekend is supposed to be a fun time. Lots of fun and family togetherness. That's the Hallmark version, and sometimes it is just like that. But sometimes, weekends are just stressful. Too many people, too many agendas, too many "supposed to's". Is it just me? I don't really think so. 


Then there is springtime. Everyone looks forward to it. I do. I love the green growth of new life and the blue skies. The longer days are a blessing. And Zyrtec helps me cope with allergies. But springtime also reminds my body of bad things. Not specifics -- more the prelude to what is to come. Most of the abuse I suffered happened in the summer. So warm weather is a mixed blessing. I want to be thrilled by springtime. I want to be happy and giddy. But there is that part of me that still prepares for what is to come -- even though it's not going to happen anymore. How long does it take to un-train your psyche and body from bad habits that were built on fact? It was beneficial years ago to prepare for the onslaught, now not so much.


It takes a lot to reprogram your mind and body. I've been working on it for years. My therapist reminded me the other day that even though I have bad days, they aren't like they were before. They aren't fun. I do feel badly. Sometimes I have physical pain along with the psychic pain. But it is better. Maybe it won't ever go away, but I can keep fighting it and winning. 


Some days are just harder than others.