MOVING DAY!!!!

This blog is moving back to my original Painted House blog. Please visit over here for all the new posts!

The Weekend Review

We had a great weekend. The weather was beautiful and we spent a lot of time outside enjoying the sun. On Saturday, we took the kids to a funky little shopping area outside of the city. To my utter delight, I found a box of "The Housewives Taro: A Domestic Divination Kit." I have a small collection of Taro decks and this was one that I know is utterly unique! Check out these images. The deck comes in a box that's arranged like a recipe box. Some of the tab dividers have recipes from the 1950's. I love it.



Breen and I checked out a new church yesterday. It's going to be a slow process since our spiritual beliefs are pretty specific. I keep thinking that we'll walk in to a church and know immediately that it's our new home. But I'm not sure it works that way. Still, we're taking small steps out there to hopefully find it.

This morning (and all of yesterday), I've been fighting a head cold. The kind that doesn't make you feel miserable but just enough to be downright annoying. So I'm taking it easy.

I'm considering moving this blog over to The Painted House blog. I miss my original blog that I started so many years ago. It was the birthplace of my writing and my blog community connections. I had started to use it for my art only but I'm beginning to see that I like one place to blog about everything.

Last, but not least, some photos from the weekend:

Wishcasting Wednesday: what do you wish to experience?

Within the past year and half, I've been given the blessing of new beginnings. A clean slate. A blank canvas. I pocketful of seeds. As each day comes and goes, tiny patches of light are revealed so that I can see just a tiny bit more on this path. It's taken me this long to realize that time spent time travelling back to my past is unproductive and a waste of blessings. Life is right here. Right now. In this moment. There is so much to experience. So much to jump up and down with joy for.

I wish to experience:

*The process of writing a book. I've started writing down the foundation.

*Taking my knitting skills to a higher level

*Owning my own business one day. Perhaps a store filled with art, coffee, books, poetry readings, acoustic music nights and lots of good conversations with my community.

*The freedom of not looking back and the joy of living every single moment.

*The perfect livelihood

*The perfect unique house for Breen and me.

*bottomless joy, never ending possibilities and fearless action

*creating a website for all of my creations and actually selling them (this is a BIG challenge since I'm not exactly tech savvy)

*deeper connections with my faith and my community

*going back to school to get certified in teaching; ultimately in Special Education

planting new seeds

If you've been following along for a while, you know that I'm job hunting. More important than "job hunting" is the search for my right livelihood. So often I think people stay inside their boxes. Especially those of us who have accumulated years of life experiences plus the conditioning we got over and over again from our childhoods. We tell ourselves limiting thoughts and after a while we forget the joy of unlimited possibilities. I am so tired of finding myself harping over my age and skill set. I'm so tired of being intimidated by my ex, even though we haven't been together for years.

Today I realized that I've been looking back too much and reflecting on my past experiences. My first marriage was the worst 12 years of my adulthood. Woven in there are the jobs I took which really did nothing for my spirit. But guess what? I'm no longer in that crappy marriage and I'm no longer working those crappy jobs. Sure I'm 45 but I've also been given the most amazing blessing of a new marriage to an amazing man and finding myself with no job. It's like I've been given a whole new plot of land to plant some new seeds. A blank canvas to paint. In my mind and spirit I can be ageless. I can feel the joy of starting just where I am today with a handful of seeds and a plot of fresh tilled soil. If you're over 30, do you remember when you were fresh out of high school and the world was your oyster? Many of us had no kids back then. No real bills. No real responsibilities. Everything was new and full of possibility. We can still go back there any time and at any age just by changing our thinking habits. I don't have to keep time travelling to my past and limit my thinking or define myself by the skill sets that never served me well in the first place. Having new seeds to sow is my biggest gift and blessing. That, my friends, is joy. Pure joy.

Six Word Saturday

Creating brings out my inner beauty.






I've come to understand that I am at my absolute best when I'm creating. I find myself in a zone; a unique state of bliss. If the energy is right and the planets line up just so, I could get lost for hours in a project. I've always been frustrated that God gave me this gift of creativity and I've never been able to focus on just one thing. My talents run all over the place from painting to knitting to sewing to making books. Now if I could just channel all of these talents in to a full time gig.....

Surrendering

This morning, I had a very big "ah ha" moment while I was driving in my car. It hit me that relationships extend well beyond just those we have with people. We have relationships with our higher power, we have relationships with work. I have intimate relationships with each piece of art I create. Let me back up a bit to give a clearer picture.

Last night, I had to take an on-line Microsoft Office test for a potential job. Even though I have many years of work experience, I really never used PowerPoint or excel very often. I never really had a need to do elaborate word documents. I completely bombed the test. My mind, by habit, started berating me with things like, "you're so stupid and everyone will see you as an idiot" and "you will never get another office job again if you can't work these programs." But guess what? I have never been passionate about administrative work; it's simply something I fell in to long ago and stayed out of habit. I don't really give a rat's ass about learning all of these programs. Building pie charts and creating mail merges is about as exciting to me as listening to the evening news in Greek.

I've always thought of relationships as something to do with people. A few months before I met Breen, I had finally had it with bad relationships. My habit of giving myself over to the wrong men was a vicious cycle. Before I met my ex-husband, I found myself in a nightmarish abusive relationship that took too long to get out of. Then I married my ex and stayed in a loveless marriage for over a decade. After my divorce, I had a string of unhealthy relationships with men who never could give as much as I was giving to them. I wasn't really able to shine in those relationships because they were a bad fit. After my last bad relationship came to a halt, I distinctly remember a conversation I had with God in which I surrendered. I said to Him, "Ok God, I'm done with bad relationships. I see my patterns and I hear you loud and clear that this is not what you want for me. If your intention is for me to be alone, then show me the best way to be strong as a single person. If you have a wonderful partner for me, please let him be revealed. But I will not accept any more of the bad relationships; I'd rather be alone." I didn't ask and beg God for a new man; I simply surrendered and made myself open to receive whatever the big plan was. Three months later, I met Breen and a year to the date of our first meeting, we got married and my life with him is more than I could ever have imagined. I honestly never imagined in my wildest dreams that I would have this level of deep and pure love.

Just like my history of bad relationships with men, I have a history of bad relationships with jobs. I've spent over 20 years working jobs that I never felt very passionate about. I think the humiliation and pain of taking that test last night was God's final way of saying, "OK, you don't seem to be listening to a single message so I'm going to throw you a big sign that I do not want you to keep seeking administrative jobs." Mind you, there is nothing wrong with being an administrative assistant. It is simply not for me. So today, from a job standpoint, I realized that I am in the exact same place as I was before I met Breen. I sat there in my car and surrendered this job thing over to God. I told Him that I hear loud and clear that I'm meant to go much further outside my job box. I told him that I want a wonderful job that showcases my talents and that I will not accept any more bad jobs. I have faith that, if God answered my prayers and brought me Breen, he can do the same with a job.

It feels like I've abandoned my blogging lately. I'm still here in spirit but I think I've just needed more time spent with only me. I've got some time now to get quiet, less distracted and more tuned in to the messages from the Universe. I've had some bad days (poor husband for putting up with me) and I'm finding myself now in much better places with myself. I'm still creating as I continue the job search. I've started a file with clippings of art and craft that inspires me. Last weekend, I took a workshop for this and I'm letting my brain run full speed ahead with the myriad of opportunities for designs:

I'm also finishing and starting new hand painted furniture pieces and also finishing up some aprons for Etsy.

I've been cooking less and walking more. In the midst of my meatless food blog, I realized that I was packing on a few pounds with all the things that were constantly being tested in my kitchen.

I've been reading like crazy. For some reason, I'm really craving words right now. Any and all kinds of books will due. I've got tall stacks from the library strategically placed around the house.

I'm finishing up my last meditation class this week, which I will truly miss.

I've reconnected with an old book that finally was returned to me: Organizing from the inside out by Julie Morgenstern. A fabulous book if, like me, you're forever trying new ways to get on top of the house. I'm taking one room at a time and breaking it down in to small cleaning projects. This morning, I tackled one little storage cabinet and one counter top in my kitchen. Throughout the remainder of the week, I'll continue with one or two cabinets each day until the kitchen is finished.

I'm simply allowing myself the time to explore, rest, search and listen. And that feels good.

six word saturday

Life began when he walked in.

Wishcasting Wednesday: what do you wish to say yes to?

These days find me in an odd place. I haven't quite been my usual self. Without my role as "worker", I'm floundering around on dry land like a fish out of water. I'm constantly in the state of processing a million thoughts daily. I feel small and lost at times. I never realized how a job title defined who I was for so long and it stings every time I realize the value people place on what others do for a living. Although my previous job wasn't even a high end power position, I was still a woman with a purpose every day; a place to go, an entity collecting a paycheck and contributing much more than I do now. Some days the time flies by and others it feels like the walls are closing in. And through all of this, I struggle with seriously tough questions like,

Does God really exist when the times are hard like this?
Does my husband still see me for the good things he fell in love with?
Do my kids respect that I'm home now?
Do I really need to write like I used to? Cook like I used to?
Do I have worth when I'm not working?
Am I less attractive because of this struggle?

So today, I wish to say yes to all of my doubting questions. Yes to letting God in. Yes, I am a good wife and mother. Yes, I need to have my creative outlets. Yes I am worthy and loved and attractive. Yes, I will find the perfect way to generate income and feel important with myself. Yes, I am enough.

Proverbially speaking, I am taking apart and repainting my house....little by little...very slowly....one room at a time

Went on a 5 mile walk this morning. Cleared my head. Working on trying to look better. I feel like an old worn out cow these days. I brought my camera along for the trek. I can't promise that I'll stick with this, but I sure would like to. I spotted all sorts of pumpkins and apples that reminded me of the new season:



Lots and lots of mums:


I came across a store display that had me frozen on the spot. Some things are bittersweet. Like remembering how my own Max loved when I read to him about the Wild Things. It feels like a lifetime ago....

So many tracks

Busy past few days. The kind that put your brain through the emotional wash cycle 6 times over. But it was all good. My son is home today. We decided to drive down to some train tracks nearby so I could take a few photos. There has always been something very mesmerizing about train rides and train tracks. Maybe it's just the feeling of a bigger time and space other than where you are. Miles and miles of new journeys and endless new beginnings. Some days it feels like my left foot and my right foot are trying to step out on to two different tracks. When I finished playing at the train track, I was driving home when I noticed that the stone in my engagement ring was gone. I immediately drove back and spent over a half hour sifting through pebbles and rocks and shards of broken glass in the area where I had been previously standing. Nothing. I'm sure I didn't bump my hand against anything. It is simply gone. I feel very sad but I also know that these things happen for a reason.

The Joy diet: Desire

I've got quite a few desires, but this week found my focus centered around my spiritual life. I have a desire to dig deeper inside of myself and explore my true purpose here in the universe. I've actually had this desire for a long time but I have found myself really in tune with this need for the past few months. This week, I started a four week meditation class and I'm planning on attending a two day workshop this weekend where the work is centered around "my right service." It feels like good progress for me. Trust me, it is empowering to take care of my needs. I've had this long standing habit of putting my desires on the shelf for a zillion reasons. I used to be so incredibly impatient and thought I had to have every answer right away. Now, I'm embracing the fact that seeking answers begins with small, gentle steps. I also believe that there may never be any concrete answers. The journey of our desires begins with a single action or step. Once we take action, who knows where our steps will ultimately lead us? How many times have you heard someone say that they never would have guessed in a million years that they would end up in the place where they feel unbelievably successful and fulfilled? I'll bet that their initial desires may have been vastly different than where they ended up. That's the beauty of desire. That's the mystery.

Self awareness and a few sweet things...

This week, I've really been focused on the ways I'm serving and honoring God, myself, Breen, kids/family/friends and job. Today, I'm taking a meditation class from a woman who works out at my gym. On Friday and Saturday I'm taking a workshop at our church on "My Right Service". I'm the type of person who loves to take care of everyone else and maybe fit myself and my needs in there somewhere. So these are nice big steps for me this week.

I whipped up a batch of Chocolate Nut Clusters this morning to feature over at my food blog:


You can check out new art finds over at my art blog.

Finally, a pictures I like of Breen and me this week:

Wishcasting Wednesday: what do you wish to complete?

I think this week's prompt hit me right between the eyes. I have so many things left unfinished that I'd love to see through to completion:

An ottoman that needs more painting, a seat cushion and fabric
A rocking chair for my niece's baby
Two half aprons that need ties
Four more aprons that need to be sewn
Unfinished laundry
Amazing ideas for projects that are dying of loneliness
Daily "to do" lists with half the items checked off

I was just talking with Breen last night about how inspired and awestruck I am with the way that he focuses on particular goals and passions and keeps at them diligently until each one is fulfilled and/or completed. I've never been particularly strong in that area. Sure I have passions, projects and great ideas but I always seem to get so distracted with a new idea that things get left in the corner unfinished. And it's not just with creative things either. I'm a Type B personality. My husband is Type A. Do personality types have a direct correlation to incompleteness? With each day, I'm growing and processing and learning so much. My greatest wish is to really get deep down inside and get some clarity on why things are left undone. I know I feel empowered and productive when I am able to see something to completion.

Tuesday update

I feel like I'm standing on the edge of the fog waiting for it to lift and reveal my next part of the path. Lately, my mind has been buzzing non-stop. It's been processing so very much. Unfortunately, as open as I am, most of it needs to stay safely tucked away in my journal for now. I can tell you that I'm tracking my daily progress in the five areas of my life: God, self, significant other, family/friends and career. Specifically, how am I honoring and serving in those areas every day? Interestingly enough, the most challenging areas for me are God and career. I wholeheartedly believe in God but the challenge is how do I honor Him? I can never seem to get my mind still to sit in quiet time. And the career part? Well, it's been YEARS since I had to look for a job. Back then, it was a different economic climate and it never took me very long to get an interview. It's just a very different ball game now. My intention is to secure a job soon.

Breen completed his first half ironman on Sunday. His longest race yet. It is an honor and thrill to be there at the finish line of every race. Here are some pictures:

Six word Saturday

Good words of advise: wear sunscreen.

I think this clip says it all.

The Joy Diet: truth

The work of Byron Katie is featured in the truth section of The Joy Diet. A few years ago, I attended a workshop on the teachings of Byron Katie at a sweat lodge that I was somewhat active in. Since that time, I had forgotten about her work. Until this week. I think people tell themselves lots of painful stories that aren't true. It comes from years of negative tapes looping over and over again in our heads. I like the idea of these "truth questions" because JOY is a choice and so are the stories we tell ourselves. We don't have to continue suffering through the same old worn out and useless stories. We can gently shift our thinking for happier endings.

Here's what I learned about MY truth this week. I've had a bad habit over the years of not being active in my own life. My stories were so loud that I couldn't get quiet enough to hear anything better. As some of you know, I've been out of work since the beginning of the summer. This has turned out to be such an amazing blessing. Each day, very slowly, I am beginning to get to some quiet places where I my truest self is finally listening. My truth is this: Every day that I wake up on this earth is a gift from God. If we receive a gift, we shouldn't waste it. All that I'm required to do in my life is to simply show up each day and be present. I don't have to accomplish grande and impressive things; I simply have to be present and do something. This week, I've been asking myself how can I best serve God, myself, my significant other, my children and family, and my career. I've been doing a little in each area daily and the truth is, my old stories are beginning to crumble. When I'm showing up and being present and serving, it makes all the difference in the world.

Birthday

It's my husband's birthday today. It was the best day of my life when he walked in to my world. Every day feels complete and whole. He is my home. He is my heart. He is my best friend and soul mate. He is my true North. I am amazed and humbled to be his wife. He has my undying love and unwavering support for an eternity and beyond. I love you, Baby!

Now...what do you get the man who has everything? You get him a bad ass flaming stegosaurus bike helmet cover to keep his gorgeous bald head warm during his long winter training rides, of course!

A moment on my soap box

Indulge me, just for a minute or two. Every now and then I climb up on to my soap box and I need to be heard.

Recently, my mother gave me a make-up bag that was filled with some skin care samples. One of her friend's daughters works in the make-up department of a big department store. Through her friend, my mother is a recipient of all the latest products. So, this morning I decided to empty the bag and use it in my handbag. Here are the things I found:

I just can't help but wonder how many billions of dollars are spent by women all over the globe who think that products like these will make them look more beautiful. I suffered through a loveless marriage for over a decade. When I finally found my freedom, I started to unearth pieces of me that were in a coma for so long. In that time of self-discovery, I glowed like a 1000 watt light bulb. People noticed it. And you know what? I wasn't using an ounce of make-up or expensive skin care products that promised me the rebirth of my youth. I was sexy. I was vibrant. And that comes from the INSIDE OUT. Too many women forget that true beauty can not be purchased at any price. We buy in to these companies that prey on our egos like vultures. One company, in particular, is shameless enough to tap in to our spiritual appeal. Check out these products from "Philosophy":

When hope is not enough ($50.00 for 60 capsules. I kid you not). A replentishing eye cream that magically removes wrinkles while you sleep.

How about "Handmade?". Create with your hands, heal with your hands, touch with your hands, work with your hands, extend your hands and PRAY with your hands.

Give me a break! This is how I pray with my hands. Every single morning. And I don't need to shell out $10.00 for one ounce so that God will admire my soft hands and listen to me a little closer.

Wishcasting Wednesday...what do you wish to share?

Lately, I've been such a curmudgeon, you know? On most days, if you asked me what I'd like to share, I certainly wouldn't want to pass on my outward behavior. But, each day I am coming to embrace and understand that I am going through this period of time for a reason. I am exactly where I need to be right now and it will pass and when it does, I'll be at such a good place with myself. Little pieces are starting to come together for me. INSIDE of me is the place where my pure joy and purpose really live. Inside of me, at the core of my soul, is a loving heart so big; so compassionate; so ready to share.

I wish to share pieces of my journey to those who are young enough to just be starting out on their theirs or to those who have been on their journey for a long time. At 45, I've learned so much. I'm certainly no voice of authority but I've got so much to share.

I wish to share my joy and compassion in a setting where I am working with others; either teaching or owning my own store. Every time I walk in to a school, I am overcome with regret that I changed my major in college from Early Childhood Education. I love working with people; especially young children. I'm looking in to what I need to do to obtain a teaching certificate in my state.

I wish to share with the world how very much I adore my husband. The man is a saint in my book. No matter the mood I find myself in, he patiently sits by with his love and support. I believe it's because of him that I can move through this transition and get to the other side where I can be me but a thousand times better. He inspires me and silently guides me every single day. My world would not be the same without him in it. I pinch myself wondering why he chose me.

I wish to share how important it is to help others that have a more difficult time in the world. My son is going through a difficult time right now with social issues. Any shred of compassion that I have, I learned from him. I've learned that "being different" does not mean "being damaged." We can learn so much from people who see the world in a different way. Because of my son, I'm learning to serve others. I think that's one reason why God gave me Max so that I could find my compassionate voice and use it for the highest good.

I wish to share my art updates with you over here.

I wish to share a FREE APRON GIVEAWAY with you over here!

Gratitude

This past weekend, Breen and I went to church. We had not been in quite a long time. Initially, when we first discovered that Reverend John would not be doing the service, I was hesitant about "the quality" of the service. Boy, did I misjudge that one! The sermon was on gratitude; specifically unconditional gratitude. And by this I mean the idea of being grateful without basing it on external things. For example, when I say that I'm grateful for my husband, children, the roof over our heads and my health, I really am grateful. But, if my husband left tomorrow, my kids were suddenly not here, I found myself homeless with failing health, would I still be grateful? Of course those are extreme examples but the point is, what would you be grateful for if all the familiar external blessings suddenly changed?

Lately, I haven't been myself. Where is my joy, I ask myself. I feel like 100 years old. I don't feel that wonderful sense of playfulness and I feel less than attractive. Some days I feel like my worth is tied to the kitchen and the washing machine. I know these stories I tell myself aren't true. I know I am filled with an abundance of good things; I just don't let them come out and shine these days. But life has taught me that you have to hold hands with the crappiness just as much as you would hold hands with the joyfulness. You have to walk right alongside all the feelings until you reach a new part of your path. So today I am grateful for being. Each new day is a gift, even if you find yourself in a bad spot. A new day is a chance to do things differently than you did the day before. Just being here on the planet with a chance to keep stepping out and learning are reasons enough to be grateful.

Six Word Saturday

The image of numbers fascinates me.

I love numbers. Maybe in a past life, I was a numbers guru or a high rolling gambler. Who knows? Yesterday was my birthday and I was adamant this year about NO GIFTS. I broke my own rule though and bought myself a gift. I stumbled across this giant dice and simply had to have it. My lucky number also happens to be 52. But that's another story for another day.....

PS: my husband came home with flowers for me and inside the bouquets were two pairs of funky reading glasses, which I also love!

The Joy Diet: Nothing

I have a lot to learn about nothing. I used to think that doing nothing wasn't that difficult. I've always craved my own down time. It goes all the way back to when I was a little girl. I was one of those kids who could play for hours by herself in her bedroom. I used to lay in the grass for hours watching clouds go by and hunting for four leaf clovers. I didn't have a care in the world and I knew nothing about the years to come. I was just a little girl living in the moment each and every day. Sometimes I yearn for that simplicity but the reality is that I'm a big girl now with her pockets overflowing with life stories actually lived. Stories of worry. Stories of regret. Stories of long journeys down paths that I can't seem to find yet. But mixed in there are also stories of happiness and stories of finding my feet.
Stories of true love.

I've been looking for work since June. During the summer, my days were spent hearing the voices of my kids but now they are back in school and the house is too quiet. The silence is sometimes deafening. I realize how much I've been programmed to be doing "something." When the silence really gets to me, I find this voice inside yelling, "what are you going to do now?!" And it is in that moment that I take a deep breath, put on some nice soothing meditation music and do some deep yoga stretches. I also have a CD called "Luxor Meditation" by John-Rodger which runs about 23 minutes and really allows me to chill out. Believe it or not, I find myself in a zone when I sew or do an art project. In those moments, I'm so immersed in the process that an hour could go by without thinking of anything. What have I learned this week? I've learned that the art of doing nothing is something that has to be learned and practiced. Like riding a bike or learning a new language, it's only as successful as the time you put in to it.

A new find

I'm so excited, I could pee myself. Seriously. These days, I've inflicted so much stress upon myself that when something truly joyful and sublime comes across the radar, I stop for a moment and check to see if there are any candid cameras in the room. A new food find usually brings me joy and today was no exception. I was in Trader Joe's this morning when I spotted Sesame Crepes on the shelf. I snatched up a package immediately. $1.19 for two 7 1/2 inch crepes which are covered with sesame seeds, a little sugar, peanuts and cashews. Half a crepe is all you need for a delicious snack. I cut my half in to little wedges and topped each one with fresh fruit, peanut butter and honey. You do the math; this packet provides 4 days worth of afternoon bliss for less than 30 cents per day. Well? What are you waiting for? Get thyself to Trader Joe's!

Wishcasting Wednesday: what luxury do you wish for?

This week, I'll be turning 45. The idea of "luxury" is an interesting thought right now. I'm not exactly a luxury kind of girl. The luxuries that I wish for certainly aren't things that anyone can give me and they aren't necessarily things that I could easily reach out and grab for myself.

I'd like the luxury of aging gracefully. It's time to color my hair again and I made the decision yesterday to let it come in gray from here on out. I've been coloring my hair for 20 years. The first one came when I was 25; now everything coming up is gray. What's wrong with aging anyway? If God intended for women to look 30 for their entire lives, he would have stopped the aging process for us right there. Why is it that when men turn gray, it's distinguished but when women turn gray, it's time to hide it with artificial color? It's actually quite hideous how the world is obsessed with stopping the aging process. Just go to any drug store and stroll the aisles. Face creams, anti-wrinkle creams and the list goes on. I'm certainly not a beautiful woman by magazine standards but I'm still happy with the genes that I've inherited. Mantra: I do not have to be a Barbie Doll to be accepted.

I'd like the luxury of waking up and having just one care-free day. I'm inundated with the stress of being unemployed and feeling inadequate because I'm not doing something impressive or contributing in bigger ways to our family. I'm trying to turn the other cheek with my ex-husband and stand my ground but he's on his own little vengeance trip and I've come to expect some type of ambush daily.

I'd like the luxury of seeing my son have a care-free life with no bullying and, if I could add in an extra wish, a few friends for him to hang with.

I'd like the luxury of experiencing peace with my daughter. What I wouldn't give to exchange conversation and kind words with her. I'm not sure which is worse, the deafening silence or the bitter words.

I'd like the luxury of taking about 75% of the clothes I own and hauling them out to the curb. I'd love to replace and update everything. Ok...that was one materialistic wish.

A time to play....

Yesterday, I took Max to an old train station where he filmed some of the track action. While he filmed, I played around with my camera (pictures best viewed large):







Then I played with some images I already had:



Enough playing for now. While I got lost in time yesterday, the laundry piled up and the bathroom never got cleaned. A million little things always need attention. I'm glad I always find time for a little play.