I am feeling the pressure to crank out these babies and I’ll tell you why.
Babies, of course, referring to items on the list. Not actual babies.
“Avoiding doldrums of winter” is the list. Refer to past postings for the other seven.
The reason I am feeling pressure is because the winter is flying. In about eighteen days the clocks in my house will “Spring Ahead!” by an hour. We will blink and there will be crocuses popping out of the ground. It will be Easter and then it will be the Fourth of July.
That sounds like good news. Besides the fact life is going by quickly.
So is my list even necessary?
Probably.
Because some winters are longer than others. Some are colder. Different regions experience different weather.
So here goes.
#8
An eye catcher.
Usually that’s me. But for the purpose of this list I will stick with inanimate objects.
Have something that brightens up the joint. Something visible that catches your eye. Lifts your mood. Each and every time. Acts like a dopamine drip.
We surround ourselves with furniture and a lifetime of dust collectors. How often do we actually acknowledge them? Even notice that they are there?
Yes, most of us are generally happy with our space. The overall feeling when you walk in the front door. Believe me, some days that feeling of contentment and “I’m in the comfort of my own place” vibe is enough for anyone.
Maybe looking for something more is asking too much?
Nah.
We have to continue working on the “shaking the blues” list! Something more than the same old thing is necessary.
This always works for me.
But not everyone wants or is able to have a pet and I promised to stick with inanimate.
There are a few things around the house, other than husband and dog, that I really like and always seem to brighten my moments.
I’ll share one today.
This is a small painting by a local Rhode Island artist named Kathy Weber. I have it displayed on a wall in a high traffic area near the front door.
Different things appeal to each of us for a variety of reasons. That is what makes the world go ’round.
When I look at this piece of art I am immediately transported to the town where I was raised. Sure, this could be a winter street scene from any New England working class neighborhood. But it looks exactly like mine. I also love the colors Weber uses in her work.
I found it at Neville Fine Art and Framing in Warren, Rhode Island. I chatted with Donna, the owner, back in the summer while admiring the shop and its nicely displayed pieces.
This little gem caught my eye and then I left without buying it.
I don’t know why. What’s wrong with me? It’s probably because I am a Libra and any decisions I ever need to make practically have to involve a congressional hearing. It’s no joke. So hard for me.
Then I started having these pangs of what I guess could only be described as the opposite of buyer’s remorse. Non-buyer’s remorse.
I knew then I just had to have it.
So a few days later my friend and I headed to the shop. Of course, we showed up after business hours.
The following week I was with another friend and drove to the shop. Had every intention of arriving home with my new bundle of joy. Nope. Didn’t happen. The place was not open on this particular day.
I was about to go down another road. You know the one. It’s called, “Maybe it just wasn’t meant to be.”
But I didn’t.
The third time was the charm. Whew!
Okay, I can’t make decisions to save my life. But once something gets stuck in my head it’s going absolutely nowhere until I deal with it. If a person looks up the definition of “dogged” in the dictionary my eye catching face will be staring right back at them. My Dad used to say, “Watch out when she gets a bee in her bonnet.” He wasn’t lying.
Thank God it’s only the small stuff with me.
Imagine how tired I would be if I was going for world peace? Or bringing down the number of mass killings in the U.S.?
As a side note. It won’t take you three times to gain entry into Donna’s shop. That was just me, flying by the seat of my pants, without checking business hours and days of operation before hopping in the car. Expecting the world to revolve around my whims.
If you are in the area stop by and see Donna. You’ll be glad you did. Tell her I sent you. Just say, “Mary, the lady who loves that your shop smells like Christmas all year round.” She’ll know.
I bought the painting and I love it. It is a bright spot on a winter’s day.
Obviously, a painting is not going to do it for everyone. But there will be something. You’ll find it.
The eye catcher.
Just Being Mary 