A Time to Rest

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It has been a while!

I feel like it’s been years since we last visited. My summer months were filled with an abundance of activity. Activities which filled my heart with joy and absolutely drained every once of energy I could muster.

purple_majestyI’ve been home from my Little Cabin in the Woods for just over two weeks. Two weeks that were a buzz with activity. All of the items that might fall victim to possible four legged vermin were removed from my summer retreat and transported back home for safe keeping. Once home they all needed to find their haven for winter respite. With those all tucked away it was time for a good old fashioned house cleaning both physically and mentally.

sweet_lavenderWhile I find great joy in my travels far from home, it can be exhausting. Recharging my body as well as my mind takes a little more effort each year. Of course that couldn’t have anything to do with my advancing years. Or could it? 🙂

 

Seeds_of_Life.jpgThis year I felt so absolutely drained that the thought of writing couldn’t be farther from my mind, let alone even opening the door to my studio. The lack of enthusiasm left my creative self feeling lost, like a ship floating adrift at sea. The concern that I might not find my sense of direction left me even more overwhelmed.

Orange_Lichen.jpgSo, how did I recover? With my self-imposed chores accomplished I allowed myself to relax and find joy in the simple everyday tasks of living. I slept. I read. I walked.

 

Rings_Of_Life.jpgThese steps toward renewed energy slowly rekindled my love for the world of art. From a little spark came the motivation to re-enter my studio. Opening that door brought back the joy I feel when surrounded by the vibrant colors of my finished pieces as well as the virgin fabrics just waiting for my attention.

Patterns_In_Nature.jpgThis renewed sense of enthusiasm is where I am at today. I’m energized and ready to press on.

Lichen.jpgCindy Anderson

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P.S. The photos I’m sharing were taken while out on my many walks in northern Wisconsin. I hope you enjoy them.

 

Gym Rat

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What do you think of when you hear the word rat? For me it conjurs up thoughts of creepy little creatures clammering over anything and everything within reach leaving behind remnants of their presence.

My husband and I joined the local YMCA shortly before the close of 2015. Both of us had our own reason for joinging. Mine was to shed a few pounds and restore the strength that once occupied my muscles.

To bring about the desired changes I threw myself wholeheartedly into my quest.

I enrolled in several classes and began participating with every ounce of available enthusiasm and dedication.

My enthusiastic participation meant I was often found at the gym which eventually,

jokingly,

earned me the nickname of

Gym Rat.

While I would rather not think of myself in the same way as I would a rat, my habits have begun to mimic those of a gym rat, if only in a small way.

A gym rat, as defined in the dictionary, is

someone who spends all leisure time playing sports or working out in a gymnasium or health spa.

While I do spend a reasonable amount of time exherting energy at our local YMCA I don’t even come close to meeting those qualities.

Nice try guys!

Cindy Anderson of In A Stitch Quilting