Sunday, October 16, 2016

Me Again

It's definitely Autumn out there. I've put the heating back on, as well as my personal three layers of clothing. I put my tee-shirts away and promised them I won't strain the seams so much when I take them out  (they didn't believe me, but hey). The next big thing on my To Do List is the garden. It needs me. I need more time.

Since I last wrote I've been very much focused on me. My health and of course, my art. The result of the comfort eating, I indulged in over the last eleven months has ground me down no end. Everything is too tight, I feel horrible in my skin. Having said that, the last eleven months have been hard, hard work and I have been in desperate need of comforting. It is what it is. My back, shoulders and neck have been particularly troublesome and have added to the general "bleugh". 

Now you see why I haven't been blogging? It would have been sentence after sentence of whinging and moaning.

I have been doing yoga and foam rolling and that has helped so much with getting moving again. After a muscle in my back bitched at me for attempting one of my exercise DVDs, it was clear that my body needs me to be more gentle, more understanding and just keep moving. Since then, I've been doing the most gentle yoga routines I can manage. That's just been great and my back is gradually improving. Very gradually.

I've been focusing on my art more and more. Trying to see how I can push myself beyond my current technical limitations. With this in mind, I've signed up for a few improvers classes and a fortnightly fun drawing class and it's been really good. My technical skill will get there, but at present, it just can't keep up with my imagination. To be human is to learn to live with the frustration of my own limitations. That I know these limitations are temporary, does not help. I am an instant gratification kinda gal. I want it; and I want NOW. I have a learning curve to conquer and I am determined.

Having said all of that, I am treading water somewhat. Dave had his follow up scan and blood tests last week. We will see the oncologist for the results soon. We will see how well the tumour has responded to this round of treatment and where we go from here. We won't talk about remission, the chemotherapy didn't get all of the primary tumour, but hopefully, we will be able to talk about a dormant period. It preys on my mind. Dave continues to be well in himself, albeit a bit prone to enjoying the odd afternoon nap. Given the choice of being stretched out with him, I'm not one to judge.

He is making plans for what he calls his "Farewell Tour", to go and see his friends far and wide. He hopes he'll be doing it along Status Quo lines and will be touring for many years to come. I hope so too. I am making plans about my art, but that's a post for another day. Be well. Until next time.

14 comments:

  1. Anonymous4:18 pm

    Being gentle with yourself is a good thing. As is your art and your meditation, the chooks, Rummy and your two men. Here's hoping your condition improves and Dave's remains status quo. xoxoxo to you both.
    Ponita (I have difficulty signing in on my phone, hence the Anonymous thing)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Ponita-gal

      I know, I know. I'm just impatient. I want to feel better and stronger NOW damn it.

      Hugs so very gratefully received.

      Delete
  2. May Dave's Farewell Tour be a long-running affair like Bob Dylan's Never Ending Tour!

    Take care.

    ReplyDelete
  3. You know yourself--body & soul--better than anyone else. You'll know when to take it easy & when to push yourself. Most importantly, you'll know how to face any challenges that come your way--you always find a way, even if it's your own path, it's important to be yourself & follow your heart & listen to your instincts.

    I admire Dave's amazing plans. It's important to see old friends & tell our loved ones just how special they are to us & how much we love them. Life is short--too short. Everyday we're alive is a gift to do the things that make us happy & be with those we love.

    Take care & best of health to Dave & you & y'all.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you honey.

      You get what I'm about.

      Massive hugs.
      xx

      Delete
  4. Well, if Dave approaches things in that vein...better book the Albert Hall.Or Wembley Stadium!
    And as for you...yes, gently, gently.Not that I'm the best one to give advice in this field!
    xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think he's considering the O2!

      :-)

      xxx

      Delete
  5. Slow and sure wins the race!
    Take it easy and continue being kind to yourself.
    Gentle hugs to you.
    Sxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I sure feel like a tortoise these days, especially with the cooler weather beginning to kick in.

      Ugh.

      Gentle hugs to you too sweetie.
      xx

      Delete
  6. Be kind to yourself. And I too hope Dave's tour lasts decades xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm trying honey. Believe me...I am very trying! :)

      Hugs to you!
      xx

      Delete
  7. Anonymous4:59 pm

    Be reckless and show these muscles who's boss ! HA ! Slam that paint on the canvas and tell it to shut up !

    And after this eruption - and the necessary recovering period - you can do the gradual thing again. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm trying honey, I'm trying.

      :)
      xx

      Delete

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