I meant to read all of my favorite blogs today and comment, but I am just too drained. This week has been so intense. After all of the fear and death spreading with Covid, seeing the brutality and craziness in the past seven days has sent many people over the edge.
A friend of mine posted a page of Mr. Floyd's last words. It was heartbreaking to read. He knew he was going to die. I hope and pray that some good comes of all this pandemonium. The damage and danger really alarms me. I am especially concerned for the children. Still, I have kept up my daily yoga, meditation and prayers, which keep me calm and bring me peace. Daily bike rides with Lula and swimming in the mountain lake has been incredibly healing and relaxing, too.
I spent most of today cleaning the cabin. I used boiling hot water on a clean rag, paired with my homemade liquid soap. It worked really well. It's safe, non toxic, inexpensive and easy. I was impressed with the results. Yesterday I volunteered at our co-op to help the cleanup crew. They use a bleach solution, and I just can't be around those chemicals anymore. For hours afterward my eyes were stinging, and my throat felt irritated. I have cleaned with baking soda, Borax, and white vinegar for years. The Borax is excellent on hard water stains. It did wonders on my kitchen sink this morning.
Today I watched an interesting movie on a DVD called Downsizing. It really amused me. Matt Damon was excellent, and so likeable. The story was timely, as it involved some people in a cult reacting to a pandemic type situation. It reminded me of Waco, Texas, and David Koresh. It was an entertaining way to spend part of the afternoon. I also finished knitting my first sock for my friend in Minneapolis. I just need to stitch together the toe. I used electric blue yarn that I was given by a woman from Scotland that used to attend one of my knitting groups.
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It's a very scary world at the moment. (((hugs)))
ReplyDeletexx
I never anticipated this, Joy. Life is full of unexpected twists and turns.
DeleteWe have been watching the news about what is happening in the USA and support for the rights of black people. We have had a big march in Auckland and Wellington, New Zealand. I truly cannot imagine how this is for you. I can feel the anger against injustice in the ether. I am so grateful to be living in such a multiracial country where so many of us are from several races. Sorry to ramble on, but I do hope that you feel better soon.
ReplyDeleteEach country has their own history, swami. A lot of it is dark, but there is also much light and opportunity. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else, in spite of what is happening. California is my home.
DeleteI am so sorry Stephenie, that came out all wrong. Yes, my country has history that we are not proud of too. Home is always where the heart is.
DeleteThat's all right. I don't hold people responsible for their ancestors' actions. We can only control what we are doing. I agree about the home. It is a comfort right now. Glad you are safe.
DeleteWe too are shocked by the violence and atrocities that people commit against one another. This is nothing new of course, it's gone on through all of human history. But, we are in the 21st century, we're supposed to be the intelligent beings on our planet, so why are we doing this to each other? Admittedly this pandemic has sent some poor people out of their minds with fear, but it's no excuse for what's going on out there. Like you I use yoga and meditation to relax and calm me. Take care. Jane
ReplyDeleteHi Jane, Thanks for reading and for commenting. Yes, desperation and fear can really make people act out and become violent.
DeleteI’lol use borax when cleaning the kitchen sink next time. Thanks for the tip, Stephenie.
ReplyDeleteI normally use liquid soap.
If you leave it on a while, Nil, it does an excellent job. We have very hard water here.
DeleteI thought I was the only one who used boiling water on a rag to clean! It was a trick my grandmother taught my mother, who in turn taught me. I bet the cabin looks and smells wonderful after the cleaning. I agree-we need to maintain internal peace in these trying times. I am working on the first sleeve of my Moonshine cardigan. Still ended up with a hole under the arm, but that is easily stitched up.
ReplyDeleteThat boiling hot water is an amazing tool, Anita. I just got the idea from my intuition. Your Moonshine cardigan sounds lovely. No one will see the stitches under the arm.
DeleteHi Laurie, Thanks for reading and for commenting. Sometimes these situations make us more grateful for all that we have. That's how I feel right now.
ReplyDeleteI have a bag of white rags I use all over the house. Swimming in the lake sounds wonderful. We are living in very stressful times but what happened to Mr Lloyd was horrendous. I hope those involved are suitably punished.
ReplyDeleteYes, it was, Frugal. I have lots of rags I use for cleaning, too. Right now it's time to vacuum.
DeleteI am with you on safe cleaning products. I try only to use those in my home, I am like you making my own because it is safer and cheaper. It is so horrible what has been going on, I have been watching the news as much as I can because I want to be present and not hide from =what is happening. It is the least I can do. Stay safe.
ReplyDeleteHi Mereknits, I have to limit how much news I watch. My friends in New York are posting photos that are absolutely shocking. Life has changed there, dramatically and quickly. I hope they can recover.
DeleteIt's good that you are practicing self-care, with your yoga, etc., during these stressful times, Stephenie. Is that the living room at the cabin? It looks so fresh and serene, especially with Lula taking a peaceful nap! I use baking soda and vinegar, to clean, but, haven't tried borax! Should try it!
ReplyDeleteHi Bless, That's the sun room, where I do yoga. I love it there in the morning. The couch is so comfortable to sit on while having coffee. I don't really have a living room. It's really laid back up there. Everything is so relaxed and simple. With the sunny weather, I like to sit out on the deck and enjoy watching the wildlife.
ReplyDeleteAs a flower child in the 60s (yep, I'm old!) I feel as if I've been through all this once before...and we obviously didn't get it right or we wouldn't be doing it all over again. And like you, I'm drained. The media coverage just might make the real difference this time. Finding solace in daily doggy walks with my sweet rescue and knitting and photography....and once again blogging (some) which I had given up. Love LOVE your pink hollyhocks against your pink house!!
ReplyDeleteThe dog walks, knitting and photography sound wonderful, steph. Thanks for reading and for commenting.
DeleteWhat a year is unfolding. I often think to myself what we will all make of it when we have the chance to look back upon these times. I often wonder what lessons we will collectively draw. It's very unsettling in so many ways but I keep looking at home and at family and at my garden and the trees beyond and thinking that this is what I keep close, that this is the balm for my heart. I am glad that your little pink cottage, cabin, yoga, meditation and knitting bring you some peace. MegXx
ReplyDeleteI have become more aware of my values after all of this, too, Meg. Nature, art, friendship, home, pets...You always sounds very grounded and centered.
DeleteI saw a protester with a sign that said “All mothers were summoned when George Floyd cried out for his mama.” So true, that video made me sick.
ReplyDeleteIt made me sick, too, Akasha. I am glad that they have the evidence, though.
Deletewow, so glad I stopped by - I came from Laurie's blog. I immediately recoognized the Country Club. We moved there in June 2012 from Alta Loma. We lived in Wrightwood until October 2013 when we then moved to the other mountains - Cresltine, Lake Gregory area. We use to have a seasonal pass to the country club. I really enjoyed our months there. Love your Banner photo and that sweet dog sleeping in this post.
ReplyDeleteMe, too, sandy. Thanks for reading my blog and for commenting. That's neat that you live in Crestline. I would like to go there and to Lake Gregory someday. The membership to the country club in Wrightwood has been such a fantastic thing. It's so convenient to just walk or bike there.
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