My dearly beloved BlogWife calls me a ‘dog person’. Not that I like dogs particularly, but that there are behaviours of mine which put me firmly in the category of ‘more like a dog than a cat’ (which is how she classifies people (sometimes)). I seem to remember discussions on this point involving things like friendliness, excitability, loyalty, protectiveness…that sort of thing.
I think I’ve discovered another characteristic, which reminds me a little of a very blonde, incredibly silly great-big-bimbo of a golden retriever I once knew – I’m awesome at inventing new games to play, which no-one really wants to play, and end up running around in circles, chasing my metaphorical tail, whining a bit, hoping someone might join in.
Eventually I suppose I’ll mature to the point where I recognise that other people ‘people’ differently than I do, and that in their case, the ‘not doing the shiny new thing immediately right-this-second-now’ is not a rejection or implication of the stupidity of said thing (and by extension, myself), but rather just all the perfectly legitimate whatevers of their worlds which means they have higher priorities/other interests…and I realise this is the written equivalent of me doing that ‘injured to the very soul’ look that dogs do when they’re told it’s NOT time for walkies…but the point is, I’ve been inspired (ah, you see, it begins to make sense) by the perspectives of good friends, and the fact these after-thoughts are even rolling through my mind before I throw myself down in a corner (or take a retaliatory pee on the carpet) is a Pretty Big Deal.
Personal growth, y’all.
I got inspired this week by all kinds of things. I was inspired by the memory of a wonderful evening spent watching the moon and listening to music. I was inspired by the determination and vigour of those who adore the outdoors (I do, I love it, but kind of in a ‘going to visit it then coming back to creature comforts’ kind of a way…definitely NOT in a camping/staying out in it when it’s cold or rainy kind of a way) and I spent an evening in the garden. Well. Part of an evening. Until I got cold. But it was beautiful, and I wanted to share it with everyone who’d care to join in, and so I wrote it…which is pretty much the first thing in ages that I just…wrote. And I really enjoyed it a LOT.
I’ve been thinking a lot about death lately, and even had a remarkably in-depth conversation with a colleague about it, as we sat adjacent to each other and computered away at our grading. We got laughed at a little for not exactly having the most cheerful conversation in the world ever, but as with there being a season for all things, I think there’s a good time for a chat about the time and method of shuffling off the ol’ mortal coil, and certainly to ponder the stuff of what to do with what remains. No conclusions were reached, but it was a good chat, and I think I have more tumbling around in my brain about this, to come out at some point in the undetermined future.
The inspiration of friendship and mutual love and support gave rise (long ago) to a poem, which THIS WEEK was released in a poetry journal (the idea being that blank pages interspersed with verse, inspire YOU to write your own personalised copy of the book and gift it to someone you love, which is a pretty cool idea and NOT one I would ever have thought of – that’s the genius of the ever-savvy poet and BlogHer VOTY winner, HastyWords).
A photo on instagram by Kathleen O’Donnell inspired me to try the most absolutely delicious thing I have NEVER HAD IN MY LIFE (to the utter shock of some, for whom this combination is commonplace) – watermelon with salt sprinkled on it. LOVE IT! Very, very impressed. And will have to be careful not to over-do the salt!
Recipes abounded today, and another colleague inspired me with her very tasty-smelling lunch (I walked into the office from the corridor and the scent of gorgeous scrumptiousness surrounded me, and I HAD to ask who had something to eat that was so yummy-smelling). It was ratatouille, and as something completely perfectly vegan, AND very do-able, AND a recipe I’d forgotten existed, I was delighted to arrange in my mind to cook it for my dinner on Saturday. I was even more delighted when I realised that Mum had remembered I’d offered to cook for her at some point, and that ratatouille will be the perfect thing for us to share, accompanied by allotment potatoes, and maybe-wine, over a game of Scrabble.
A dear friend of mine is WINNING AT LIFE, having submitted a poem for a national competition, she’s THROUGH TO THE SEMI-FINALS, which is huge, and I’m so excited for her. I really want to do more with my poetry, all stacked neatly gathering dustbytes over at the Well Tempered Bards, and there’s one poem which seems to keep getting hits…so I might try that on the Poetry Nook weekly competition, and see whether anything comes of it. Meantime, WELL DONE JESI!
I’m hoping to go on my Gorgeous Long Cycle Ride again this Sunday. Hopefully past experience will inspire me NOT to fall off the bike before the long ride. *sigh*. I’m mostly healed now, though, you’ll (obviously) be thrilled to know, and I have a gloriously vivid pedal-shaped bruise on the back of my thigh, which keeps turning richer shades of brown and purple with yellow edges. Really thrilling.
My mind is beginning to think in a lot of new ways about things, and I think that’s partly due to the mental/emotional ‘space’ I’m enjoying in life right now, and partly due to the influence of good friends (as well as the ever-present interference from my own brain). I found myself occasionally thinking about the Things I Want from life, or from people, and what things I value in friends or (hypothetical) potential partners and…I realised that until I’m happy with how *I* am as a friend, and what *I* offer and can deliver, I really have absolutely no leg to stand on to make any demands of anyone else, hypothetical or otherwise. And there’s always the factor that other people ‘people’ differently than I do, and their approaches and attitudes might not be how I’d do things, but that doesn’t make them invalid or lesser, just…different.
Gotta learn to embrace the different. Whilst trying to make myself into someone I’m happy being.
Step one, and one step at a time after that.
So here’s a game for you, if you’re interested…as well as your thankfuls, jump into social media and share your #RainbowMoments – the things which make your life brighter, more colourful, and more lovely. Hashtag them with #RainbowMoments and tag me, so I can see what you’ve picked. I may even develop it into a one-off linkie thing, so everyone can see all the other rainbows. It’s a good game, I promise…I know you’ll enjoy it *looks hopefully at you*
So, join in, add your Ten, start conversations, and have a FUN WEEKEND! See what inspires you!
Your hosts
* yeah, that last with it’s cool made-up word was, like totally on purpose to throw off and maybe annoying any rogers would might have taken issue with my comment (sure, we can be annoying at times!)
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Neologism FOR THE WIN!
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“is not a rejection or implication of the stupidity of said thing (and by extension, myself), but rather just all the perfectly legitimate whatevers of their worlds which means they have higher priorities/other interests
very good insight, that is at once all kinds of Faberge on our people. (clarks, of course). for all of being outsiders, we always seem to very often take half the meaning and leave the other half sitting on the windowsill. Your observation would remind us all that the ‘higher priorities’ of others has nothing to do with the quality (and value) of our own.
very cool. there’s a funny kind of independence that we (clarks) discover, as you are (in this post). it is the independence of being self-sufficient without being isolated (and isolation’s nasty step-mother, shunned). that we are good and sufficient in and of ourselfs is the main thing.
…and, since all lifeforms seem to have the need to belong, we clarks can look to other clarks (as I am in reading your post) and recognize the brethernation of outsiders.*
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I’m always glad of it, TRULY, because I think finally I’m beginning to learn the aloneness without it being isolation (or worse) and though it’s unpleasant, mostly, it’s not *terrible*
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Pingback: Ten Things of Thankful 165 (Inspiration) #10Thankful – The Indian Wedding – ladyleemanila
You know what I love most about you? That you are ALWAYS open to growing and taking in new ideas and thoughts and challenges for yourself. You are such an incredible soul, lovey.
I hope you had a FANTASTIC SAFE LONG RIDE!! ❤
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I try, only because I know how little I still like myself, and if *I* don’t, then what possible leg do I have to stand on to expect that other people would?
I read one of those picture memes on Facebook the other day that said “If I asked you to list the things you love, how long would it take until you listed yourself?” and I was a bit sickened because I realised that it would never, ever, EVER occur to me to include myself in such a list. And apparently that matters. I worry…I really do…how can I expect anyone else to like me if I don’t? *sigh*
I had a GORGEOUS Long Cycle, and a marvellous, beautiful time by myself, with my lunch and my book and the sunshine, and a VERY cheeky pony, which ate my banana skin and apple core and orange peel, and tried to eat the Skittles wrapper and tried to get into my bags, and I had to have VERY stern words with it and shoo it away.
P.S. THANK YOU for all the fun games on Fb. They delighted my heart and I loved them. Love you ❤
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Watermelon with salt – okay! If you say so, I’ll try it.
I know we are out in our caravan, but don’t let that fool you into thinking I am outdoorsy. The tent is exactly the reason we ended up with a caravan!
I can see how you could be a ‘dog person’. In that way of thinking I’m definitely a cat person. I’m glad you are feeling better and ready to cycle again. Your post is pretty darn positive. x
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Really REALLY really good. But don’t let anyone con you into adding lemon juice because then it tastes a bit like you accidentally added some kind of cleaning fluid and it’s WEIRD!
I’m the very LEAST outdoorsy and I think I’d struggle even with a caravan, though I know the campsites have all the mod cons…
Heheh I like that you’re a cat person. Beth is too, and she’s LOVELY! Nothing at all wrong with being a cat person.
I CYCLED! It was extremely lovely and I even SANG and WHOOPED as I went. No falling off, this time, thank goodness. And…yeah! I managed a good week, on the whole, which is lovely to have done 😀
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As always, I so enjoy reading your words. I do hope you get that poem in the competition and dust off your other brilliant verses. Have a great weekend, Lizzi. It sounds like it will and is!
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Thanks so much, Lisa. I haven’t entered yet because…I haven’t been bothered, is the truth, but I WILL! Maybe tomorrow then I’m in at the start 😀 I hope you have a gorgeous weekend.
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Oh, Rainbow Moments. Well, I think of cool breezes on humid soccer training days. A tall glass of soda, and then a tall glass of water. A spot on a couch with a view. A well-timed visit to a well-loved blog. A kid who wants to hang out with you, another who makes plans with you, yet another who wakes up on her third morning at university and texts me “I love you.” It’s right now, in fact, for no reason in particular.
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Those are all stunningly awesome #rainbowmoments and I can completely see how each of them brightened your day and made your heart sparkle.
Your comment about soda reminded me of the ice-cream sodas we used to have as kids, in a tall glass, with all the frothy vanilla bubbles overspilling the top. Now THOSE were awesome 😀
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I could go for one right now, Lizzi.
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Me too – I just tried (what I am assured is a Southern Delicacy) coke with a handful of salted peanuts in it. I wasn’t gone on it, but glad I tried.
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This is all so lovely and it really makes me miss, well, LIFE… ya know, outside of my brain burning inside my skull from trying to retain way too much information with this whole new school thing. *BIG ::sigh::* I’m glad you’re having these experiences and sorry I’m missing out on them and sorry that I’m not around for you as much, or hardly at all. I miss you and I love you ❤
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My sweet, these are the highlights. You know the reality better than most – the eat, sleep, work, gym, repeat cycle I’m trapped in. I’ve had to make a conscious effort to do a couple of things differently, just so I even close to feel like I have a one of those ‘life’ things.
I’m glad I’m having these experiences too, and I wish you were. But, I equally know you’re capable of rhapsodising about time at the beach or spent with your niece in ways which would make other people feel like THEY were missing out. So there’s also that 😉 ❤
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Reblogged this on cabbagesandkings524 and commented:
Lizzi has a very inspiring week.
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Thanks so much, and yes…it really was!
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Rainbow Moments? Reading this is one.
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I needed to hear about the part about until I’m happy with how I friend, I can’t expect much from my friends. I have been trying to focus on being social again now that my kids are getting older, and it’s something I needed to be reminded of.
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It’s something I’ve only come to realise relatively recently. I think it’s along the same lines as not expecting anything of other people, because then you never feel let down. I dunno. I just know *I* need to be okay with how I do things, and not project (and feel disappointed) when other people do things differently.
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As much as i love all vegetables, I have never enjoyed ratatouille. I wonder, though, if I would like it if I cooked it myself. I have found that true of many things I previously disliked. So will you share your recipe?
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Of course! I love it, like, a LOT! But I think as you say, most things are better homemade.
6 cloves of garlic, sliced
1 onion, chopped
1 tblsp mixed herbs
(Start sauteeing these in olive oil as you prepare the rest)
2 bell peppers, diced
1 small courgette per person, diced
1 large aubergine, diced
(add these all together and stir with the now half-done onions and garlic)
1 or 2 cans of chopped plum tomatoes (1 can per 2 people) and 1/2 can of water
2 tblsps tomato puree
1 or 2 stock cubes
(add these once the veggies have begun to cook a bit)
Put lid on and stir every so often until everything’s done and delicious.
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See, I love all of these things. Going to try it at home this week – I’m sure we’ll get the items in here from the CSA.
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YAY! Looking forward to hearing how it goes.
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I’m feeling a little emotional today so yes, I teared up at this. I don’t particularly feel like I’m winning at anything lately so thank you to you who think I do. Truth to tell, however, it was you who inspired me to submit anything at all. And the funny thing is that the poem that made it to semi-finals wasn’t the one I entered at all but one they saw on my profile and liked. That made me very happy.
So, my #rainbowmoment was receiving that letter on a day I truly needed to feel like there was something good in the world.
Besides you. You always make me happy. 🙂
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Jesi, I am so SO proud of you for entering, and even if they picked a poem they thought was a better fit, who CARES?! You entered. You got your butt our there, and you’re doing AMAZINGLY and I’m so so happy for you. I hope you win BIG! But I think even this level of winning is huge and amazing and wonderful.
And your bathroom looks GREAT, so you really are winning at life this week.
BUT I am so glad that particular #rainbowmoment happened when you so very needed it *HUGS*
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Sent you a #RainbowMoment. Hugs Lizzi.
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My dear, I LOVED your rainbow moment. Like, a LOT! Thank you ❤ it brightened my day and sparkled my heart *blows kisses*
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I love nature a lot like you do. I love the moon and the rain, but I love a dry change of clothes and a roof over my head too. Your post from this morning has made me want to create a rainbow like I used to. My eyes and my hand won’t work together in the same way, but that’s OK
I have never before tasted ratatouille and am intrigued.
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Ohhhhh I would LOVE to cook ratatouille for you! I’m a bit ‘creative’ and I probably put some things in it which aren’t traditional, but it’s a kind of simmered stew of courgette (zucchini) and tomatoes, with herbs and garlic and olive oil. It’s simple and utterly delicious. I tend to add bell peppers and sweetcorn to mine, as well.
I am looking forward to seeing your rainbow. If you find scented markers I shall probably wish I could smell it!
And…nice to know I’m not alone in turning my back on the ‘wild’ bit of the wilderness. I prefer indoors and warmth.
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Sounds delicious. I would appreciate that. I’m not much of a cook myself. I am working on some pictures with my scented markers, but I wish I could send each sent through the computer screen to everyone who sees the pictures, if I managed to up load them.
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If you describe the scents, we’ll have to imagine them. So wonderful, though. I hope you figure out a way of sharing the pics.
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That actually gives me an idea for next week’s TToT and I’m sure my sister will help me transfer the pictures to online.
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OOooooh really? COOL! And good, bless her boots 🙂 I do love how supportive your family is to one another 🙂
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A blessing for sure.
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