The Christmas tree is taken down and all holiday decor is stowed away. The only leftovers that remain reside in the freezer: a handful of cookies I sneaked from the tray of cookies my sister Susan sent over and about a half-pound of glazed, spiral-sliced ham. I gave away most of the Christmas toffee I made (that stuff is dangerous to keep anywhere in the house). The new year is here, and...so am I.
*I generally don't make New Year's Resolutions or pick a Word For The Year or anything like that. I have always said that I am on a Continuous Journey Of Self-Improvement, so every day I try to be mindful of opportunities to move through this life with a little more ease and grace. Over the years, I have adopted many mantras, for lack of a better word, to do just that. For instance:
1. Kindness is my default.
2. If it will only take 2 minutes or less, just do it.
3. Touch something only once and act on it immediately.
4. Let it go.
As I have for the past 50 years, I will continue to work on my Patience, a lifelong struggle.
*You won't find a 2025 WrapUp Post here, either, per se. I have, however, browsed through some photos on my phone and found a few to share with you, apropros of nothing.
1. This particular roundup of photos is especially for Julie. She mentioned making big salads for dinner and wanting to vary the ingredients. I commented on the post and told her that I often roast an onion and cut it up to put in our dinner salads. She later asked for a sort of tutorial, so Julie, here it is:
Theo refers to this car as Gunga. Um...obviously. Talk about Art Imitating Life, amirite? It wasn't immediately apparent to any of us why he referred to it that way until I remembered the Ferrari photo of Sam. Suddenly, it all made sense.
*I should have known much sooner. I'd seen this sort of visual association in action before. Here's a photo of my spoon rest (not my actual one; this one is for sale on Ebay, and I'm writing this post from the lakehouse). Anyway, take a look at this spoon rest that is identical to mine, which Theo (now tall enough to see it on the butcher block) suddenly pointed to and said delightedly, "Nana! Happy Man!"
"So what?" you might be saying. "It is a man, and he looks happy. Not exactly genius, Nance." And of course you're right. This next photo, however, is from Theo's favourite book. Please take a look at the main character:
 |
| The Happy Man and His Dump Truck, ©1950 by Tibor Gergely |
Now look back at my spoon rest. AND--Did you catch the title of that book? He also calls the dog Z-Boy (one of Zydrunas's many nicknames). I want to remember that I was this amazed and awed and completely enchanted when my own sons undoubtedly displayed these sorts of developmental astonishments. I know that they must have because Jared and Sam are both very intelligent and intuitive. When they were Theo's age, however, I was teaching full time, wife-ing full time, and often exhausted while being a mother full time. I hope that I rose above that enough to be delighted and joyful, and that I showed it.
*Finally, I mentioned that we were at the lakehouse. We came for a few days so that I could have a change of scenery and some true rest and relaxation after a particularly bad flare-up of pain. It has been incredibly helpful. Views like this always are:
Happy New Year to you, my friends. Let's do what we must to make our corners of the world a good place.
Your mantras are wonderful, the view of the lake is perfection, and the Gunga and Happy Man are so fun. I love your last sentence. Beautiful words, Nance. ❤️
ReplyDeleteMG--Thank you. Theo is a constant joy. And I really believe that, despite all the horror in the world and its desperation, Kindness still matters.
DeleteI roast small onions in a glass pan with a sweet and sour dressing of maple syrup and Balsamic vingegar. Highly recommended, but, um, there is no graceful way to put this, everyone present at the meal should eat it. Like garlic, sort of. Or be family or very good friends.
ReplyDeleteMy clobber is also all put away but my poinsettia, gift from the YD, is still going strong. Very strong. I just gave the wretched plant a big drink and I may be looking at it for a while yet. Usually I kill the poor things, but this one seems to have my number.
So sorry to hear that you had a flare up. I hope it did not last and does not repeat. I have an appt with my doctor, end of month, for a thing I think is called trigger finger. I can still type, but .... And I have to have my lungs photoed again and see the lung health people again. The joys of ones later life, oh yes.
We had the January freeze already and are now having the January thaw. This is good as the daughters are due tomorrow to put the chains on the John Deere tractor. If I survive this event, I shall drop by again, soon.
Patience is a virtue. They tell me. I admire your grasp of same.
And I love the grandkid stories. Bring them on. I agree that admiring the sagacity of the next generation on is one of life's major joys.
Mary--Your roasted onion dish sounds heavenly. I will try my onion that way next time.
DeleteWe used to buy several gargantuan poinsettias each Christmas and keep them as long as they would last, but I soon got tired of pampering them and seeing them through their Ugly Times and leaf drops. Now, I just go outside and cut holly, pine, rosemary, ivy, and some dried ornamental grasses and stick them artfully in a vase and call it Good.
Our January thaw is over now, sadly, and we got fresh sn*w last night. I will never, ever be okay with winter although I am learning to stop fighting it so ceaselessly.
My flares are largely caused by stress. I have to get better at managing it, and I know that. I am going to try to get outdoors more, even for extremely short walks, each day. I know that will help me. Please keep me updated on your appointment results. You know that I care very much, my friend.
The chains are on and no one was run over. Phew. And the doctor stuff is routine follow up, so do not be adding that to your stressors. I'm not.
DeleteI think it is the job of the grandparent to help point out these developmental astonishments to the parents because we are just so darn busy and sometimes we just don’t see it! My kids grandparents are always pointing things out to us. Recently when Will was playing go fish against his stuffed elephant my MIL said ‘that’s something onlh a high potential child would do’ (like you, she’s a former English teacher). My grandmother loved to tell me that stubbornness is a sign of stubbornness when I would talk about Paul’s stubborn streak (which he comes by naturally…). I am glad that Theo is bringing you so much wonder and joy! What a bright little boy!!
ReplyDeleteI love roasted onions so should try this sometime. I also prefer dried thyme. Plus I do not like how fresh thyme can stain your fingers!
Happy new year, Nance. It has not been a great start to the year here in Minneapolis. :( But I am trying to find hope that things can and will improve.
Lisa--I'm so sorry for your wonderful city. I hope that it will be the catalyst for great change and greater awareness of the rampant cruelty and autocratic agenda of the federal government. That would at least make it mean something.
DeleteYou're so right that grandparents have the luxury of time to observe and enjoy these moments with our grandchildren. And we're so much more relaxed and unburdened with other tasks and mental loads. We can be fully, totally present whenever we're with them. How lucky for everyone concerned!
If stubbornness is a sign of intelligence, then I am a genius LOL. I can tell you that I have been stubborn since birth, and I always had a plan for my future and nothing got in my way. I did do extremely well in school, but I expected everything in Life to be something I could study for. As you can imagine, that is not always the case (parenting! marriage!). Still, stubbornness has served me pretty well.
I'm glad you intuited that I meant to say that stubbornness is a sign of intelligence! Sheesh! There are many typos when commenting on my phone! I was also a very very stubborn child and that has persisted into adulthood... But stubbornness can be a positive trait when a person can harness it for good, which you and I have both done! Will in particular is very very stubborn! So he must be a genius!
DeleteI really hope greater change and good can come from what is happening but it's hard to believe that right now. I know things must have seemed bleak in the late 1960s and we got through that. But we didn't have social media creating echo chambers and pouring gasoline on people's bananas points of view... I badly wish I could wave a wand and get rid of social media. I think it's been terrible for democracy!
Lisa--I so wholeheartedly agree with you about social media. It's been terrible for politics, democracy, and, I think, lots of personal/familial relationships as well. It seems to reduce people to their former junior high selves re: maturity. When many people are given a showcase for their own egos and the ability to do it immediately with no filter, it's a recipe for disaster.
DeleteOooh YES. I am also on a Continuous Journey of Self Improvement! Let's keep walking this path together. Years ago I read Marie Kondo's book and it was the perfect read at the perfect time, you know how that happens? And so I always do the quick thing that is sometimes hard to do - like put away that one pan, or what have you. I always think "how long will it take" and generally it's like 30 seconds or less. Theo! He's so smart!!! I love that.
ReplyDeleteNicole--I'm glad of your company on this path. It's sort of Buddhist, in a way, you know? I like the idea of being a Not Yet Complete Human Being. We should always be improving, learning, growing.
DeleteHappy New Year, Nance!
ReplyDeleteI'm going to add an onion to roast next time there's space left in the oven.
Also, echoing Mary G, I enjoy your Theo stories. They might open my eyes to pause some more and just watch my children doing their things.
I often find myself getting swept up by others and feeling like I should make some New Year's resolutions, but then I never do. Continuous self-improvement is more my style. Thank you for putting that into words!
As for goals: Making the house we just moved into more liveable, e.g. by installing heating in the bathroom.
Fiona--Thank you!
DeleteAs I mentioned to Lisa, it's not easy when you're a parent to simply Be Present and enjoy your kids sometimes. You're too bogged down with stuff and carrying the Mental Load of so many things adjacent to them and your lives. It's almost like you have to make a date to do it! Give yourself a break, but yes, do try and see how delightful your kids are.
You moved! I hope it was to a home you wanted and loved. I remember having to do so much work to make our own home--our very first, and where we are still--liveable. The bathroom was a nightmare. Actually, most of the house was. Hang in there; you'll soon make it cozy and all yours.
Language is such an adventure and what a treat to have a front row seat to Theo's! In our family although the kids are no longer toddlers, we still use many of their toddler words and sayings because they were so adorable (Nu in response to "what's up?" [Politely] "What up to you?").
ReplyDeleteSame, same, same about new year's resolutions and so on. With you and Nicole on this one. And I daresay some of our mindfulness mantras match as well. #2 and #3 work so well together, and get this, I've heard it referred to as OHIO = Only Handle It Once. How about that, my Ohio friend?!
That lake view is lovely... I hope you're able to leave the world behind for a bit and come back to us refreshed <3
maya--We returned Saturday late afternoon, and I feel so much better after my getaway. The lake has always been a respite for me. Nothing to do, really, but rest, relax, and watch the water.
DeleteOHIO--how perfect! That's what I'll use from now on. That one has saved me so many times, especially with mail.
Love Nu's take on "What's up?"! Like you, we use an embarrassing number of toddler words for things, as well as family nicknames. I once had a (childless) friend visit here for a weekend, and she remarked, "Don't you people use the proper names for ANYTHING?" No. No we do not.
I’m so sorry for the flare, but glad for the solution and I hope it brings you relief and peace. The world is A LOT right now.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the onion tutorial! I see Vidalia onions at the store all of the time, but rarely buy them. This looks delicious, and I’m going to try it.
I love the connections that Theo makes! Such a fun age, and I’m glad you’re noting them so you can remember. Maya used to have (maybe still has?) a stuffed bunny she got as an infant (she was born near Easter, lots of bunny gifts) named Sita. She loved Sita, but one day we were listening to Bjork singing “State of Emergency”, which she misheard as “Sita the Magic Bunny”, and now that’s her name and how we always hear it too. The other one that has carried through is valinna for vanilla. I know Theo’s are associations not mispronunciations, but I had to throw that one in there. I love that he makes this connections, obviously a bright, happy kid!
J--You're so welcome. You don't have to use a sweet onion; any onion will do. I like the sweeter onion flavour of Texas Sweets and Vidalias, and they seem to be easier on my stomach.
DeleteI am completely charmed by the idea of Bjork singing a special tribute to Maya's bunny. As you know, I have a special fondness for bunnies in general, and the idea of any of them being magic is especially wonderful.
The world is A LOT right now, and we all know why. I am trying to limit my engagement with in-depth news in order to protect my health, but the knowledge is there. The outrage is omnipresent; the frustration is deep. I just...but you know. My family gives me so much respite and joy.
Happy New Year, Nance! Although we don't seem to be off to a great start thanks to certain antics going on; here's hoping it will only improve from here on out. Thank you for sharing your Theo stories and observations so that we can be as enchanted and delighted with him as you are.
ReplyDeleteGigi--No, our country is NOT off to a good start. How much more will they allow/stand for? I am trying to limit my exposure/engagement to protect my health, but it is difficult. What will become of us?
DeleteThank you for your kind words about Theo. I promise not to do this often (gush about the grandchild) and become a bore. I do know that not everyone finds this sort of thing even remotely interesting.
Oh, the perspective, intelligence, and joy of children! It's so worth it to figure out where they're coming from when the connections aren't readily apparent. Thank you so much for sharing these instances with Theo with us. Our days are better for it for sure. I'm still smiling thinking about all these and probably will for a while, just like how I still think about his assessment "Nana, too many cows." Haha. I might not have agreed with him on that one but I see where he was coming from. Sounds like he's going to have the right number and right balance of joys in his life.
ReplyDeleteAs others have said, these are excellent mantras. Never too late to learn them either. I've become great over the years with letting go of physical stuff but not so much with mental stuff. That replay of difficult times seems to occur on its own all too often. Your closing is one I've repeated to myself to keep going. We know we can always do good things and make changes locally. Or we should. Sometimes we forget because everything else is so LOUD.
I'm so glad you got away to the lake to help with this flare. I can see how helpful it would be. The water is always so calming and in combination with the ever-changing sky, it's "better than tv" (always one of our favorite sayings to convey unplugged entertainment of all kinds. I can only see "my" lake here during the winter and I'm very grateful for it. Especially on those super sunny days when it dazzles. Hoping to get back to our river property when warm weather arrives so the Shenandoah can provide all the comfort and peace that it always does.
Thank you, Nance. Sending love for 2026 and always,
Shirley
Shirley--Thank you for the kind words about Theo. He is my constant joy, as you know. And thank you for backing me up on my horde of cows, which I also think is Just Right. What does that kid know, anyway? He's only 2.
DeleteI like your characterization of the outside world being so LOUD. It really is just that. It blares into our conscious mind and our unconscious mind as well. And it is so chaotic--his aim, always--that we feel overwhelmed and inundated. We each can resolve to Be Kind and hope our actions in that realm help.
Your river property is so lovely. I know you miss it. Here's hoping that warm weather arrives sooner than expected so that you can spend time there recharging and restoring. It's always astonishing to me how much better I feel when I can get out in Nature.
Love to you, too XOXO
I'm so delighted to see a post from you. Happy New Year, Nance!
ReplyDeleteWell, I also believe that Sam and Jared are very smart, but I'm thinking Theo must be Mensa Level. HA!
I agree; when you are a mom and In The Trenches, doing all the things, all the time, you might not notice or write down the amazing things your (our) children do. But now, NOW you can really catch it all. I love how Theo has associated his family from books and even the spoon rest! Genius, I tell ya!
I love the onion idea to jazz up a salad---you've inspired me to try this.
I hope the feel good effects of the lake stay with you for a long, long time.
I don't make resolutions either, but I do enjoy a good mantra and doing what we can to better the world from our little corner is just perfect. XO
BB Suz--Thank you! It's good to see you here. I know how busy you are, especially these days.
DeleteTheo is bright and funny, too. I had forgotten how much personality development takes place at the age of two. You have so much to look forward to! AND IT GOES SO FAST.
I am determined to make this lake medicine last. I learned from it. And I'm also determined to go there more often. Honestly, there's nothing to stop us: we're both retired; Piper is a self-sufficient cat used to the routine from summertime; it's not a long drive to get there.
You already do quite a bit to improve things in your corner of the world and beyond. Keep on doing those things. You're doing them for your whole new generation's future, too.
Dearest Nance,
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun post! Love the Vidalia onion recipe. I must admit that I had to look up “Vidalia onions.” Even though I love to cook, that will give you an idea of my culinary prowess, lol. Of course, I looked it up on Mr. Google, a.k.a. “Google AI” these days. I was amazed that the authentic ones are apparently “only grown in a specific region of southern Georgia due to the unique sulfur soil, giving them their distinct taste.” Of course, they export to states all over the U.S. Now I have to hunt for those in my local supermarkets. Maybe I’ve actually seen them and just didn’t know they were Vidalia onions.
Lots of “happy” in this post, too. Looks as if Theo has latched onto this word in a big way. As well as his “Gunga.” (Dumb question: Is “Gunga” due to a toddler’s pronunciation of uncle?) Theo is clearly a shining light in your life these days, and it makes me happy to think that this gives you some respite from the health issues you are bravely coping with. So glad you could have those days at the lakehouse after your flare-up. The view looks beautiful and very calming.
Happy New Year to you and yours as well. ❤️ Making our corners of the world a good place is absolutely a priority and a much-needed soothing balm for all as we navigate the year ahead which is looking to be a real roller-coast ride.
P.S. Completely forgot to comment on your mantras: I am on board with every single one. And I must confess that No. 4 has been the hardest for me to achieve. I tend to dwell on things too long and have finally realized that it is just not productive and a waste of time. I think as we age, we naturally tend to streamline our lives into things that really matter and stop obsessing on "the small stuff." (Remembering a book that was popular years ago: Don't Sweat the Small Stuff.)
DeleteOrtizzle--Yes! Don't sweat the small stuff is another way to put it. I don't use that simply because I don't characterize some things I have to Let Go as "small." Sometimes, they're rather large things, but I have had to let them go because they drag me down or harm me in some way (as in, People are not Small Things). I completely agree that, as I've aged, I've felt liberated by streamlining my life and my environment. It's wonderful.
DeleteGunga IS Theo's attempt at saying Uncle. He likely could say it more clearly now, but both he and Sam are happy with the special name Gunga. They are unabashedly smitten with one another.
Vidalias aren't the only sweet onion you can use, and you don't really have to use a sweet onion, either. But if you want to, you can also find Texas Sweets, Mauis, or Walla Wallas. I use sweet onion brands because they are gentler on my stomach and don't make me tear up so much when I prep them.
TX and OH both have big senate races coming up. I want to be able to work on Sherrod Brown's campaign, but we'll have to see. We need a blue tsunami, and we need it badly.
Oh, yes, the November elections are going to be crucial this year. Our senate race to replace the useless John Cornyn will be interesting.*** In the March primaries, we’ll be choosing between Jasmine Crockett and James Talarico. Both are very popular in Texas, but my vote will go to Jasmine. She’s a real firebrand, has already served in the H of R, and she ain’t afraid of standing up to Don Snorelone. We’ll also be choosing a Dem candidate for governor in the primaries since Greg Abbott, a.k.a., Gov. Voldemort, is up for re-election. Thank God, because the last 12 years of this vile creature and his equally corrupt cronies have been hell, especially this last year.
Delete***Oh, how I wish it was that skanky skunk Ted Cruz who was up for election!
Ortizzle--I love Jasmine Crockett. I would hate for TX to lose her in the House, but the Senate needs improvement immensely. I am so tired of all of these old white men. I hope you can get rid of Abbott. The chances of a Dem there are slim, though.
DeleteHow DOES Cruz retain his seat? He's the worst, and he's also the most reviled person in the chamber, bar none. Ugh.
Cruz only beat Beto O'Rourke by a 2% margin in 2018. If it hadn't been for all the horrific gerrymandering and the millions donated to his campaign by the ultra rich, Beto would have won by a landslide. During his campaign, Beto visited every one of the 254 counties in the state at least once, and many several times. In 2024, Colin Allred lost to Cruz by about 7%. So we're stuck with Cancún Ted until 2030.
DeleteI'm so happy when a Nance post pops up and this one is another sign that you and I are on the same page. Like you, I do not do resolutions or words of the year. I think my approach is to try to tackle what I need to tackle. Spreading kindness is doable. Let's hope the rest of the world catches on.
ReplyDeleteLittle Theo, smart as a whip. I love these fun little glimpses into your world with him. The little Happy Meal Toy getting a second life and being associated with Gunga makes me smile. What a riot. I'm confident you noticed all the boys' progress even when you were so busy. I find it easy to forget all those details from so long ago, but that doesn't mean it didn't happen.
I'm happy to hear that time at the lake has served you well. All the best in 2026.
Ernie--Thank you. And you can certainly sum up things adeptly and with great compassion. This is a lovely and kind comment.
DeleteThe ultimate goal of Kindness is that it catches on, exactly. This chaos and cruelty cannot long sustain itself. It is not Who We Are.
Let's get this lousy winter over with and get some nice weather. Then you and I need to find a place to meet up and share. 2026 is our year.
I love Vidalia onions. We have a huge grower near by, and believe it or not they smell wonderful in bulk and by bulk I mean enough to fill a rail car.
ReplyDeleteThis is the first year in decades when I didn't do a mantra or resolution. But I'm putting civil engagement/politics the main focus for 2026. So I guess that's sort of a resolution.
Jean--A rail car full of onions! You know, I imagine they'd smell good. I always like how the roasted onions smell, or onion rings at a fair or festival. Yum!
DeleteYour focus on politics sounds resolute to me. AND like a good idea. We need a blue tsunami in 2026. Thanks for all the help you give to get us there.
Happy New Year, Nance. I hope it is a good one for you. And oh, that spoon rest/kids book -- wow! Thanks for the onion recipe, too. I love onions in anything and with the thyme, that would be super. I still haven't picked a word and don't know if I will. This year it feels a little too depressing! And no resolutions, just remembering to look at what makes me happy, settled, joyful, safe and doing more of that. But I do have some goals -- to become more politically involved, to paint more, to travel as much as I can. My lakehouse closes from late October till mid-May. I miss it -- it's where I escape. We need a lot of escape these days! So onward, to this new year. I hope it brings you only wonderful things.
ReplyDeleteJeanie--Thank you. I understand completely how you feel, and I, too am looking for ways to make my life feel less stressful and more joyful. I'm pretty good at finding the gratitude and peace in small things, and I'll continue to do that. Stress = pain for me with this condition, so I have to remember that.
DeleteI'm sorry that your lakehouse isn't available to you in the wintertime. Ours is a year-round residence, and we're very grateful for that. After such a restful and relaxing few days, we plan to go there more often now this winter. I wish you could do the same at your place.
Still, you can definitely focus on lakehouse-type behaviours and feelings. Rest, relax, and take care.
It's the Happy Man! Thank you for the book recommendation - of course I read it before I gave it to the boys.
ReplyDeleteI used to at least have some sort of vague resolutions of some kind, but I have learned that it's a waste of time. Today in church we got "star" words - words to guide our reflections for the coming year. Hilariously, mine is "remember" - funny to me since I'd just as soon not, thank you.
I LOVE that you went to the lake house & that you plan to do it more often this winter. One of my dearest wishes when we lived in Ohio was to see Lake Erie in the winter. We never did, so I shall live vicariously through you!
Bug--I love that book almost as much as Theo. It was one of my boys' favourites as well (and it is their original copy).
DeleteI suppose Remember can be a pleasant enough word, but it also seems like a Nag Word to me. I have plenty of things to remember to do, and plenty of things that I remember being able to do, but not so much now. Sigh.
Our house is not on Lake Erie, but a private lake in Ashland County--teeny tiny by Great Lake standards. We don't even get waves, per se, compared to Erie, where people actually surf in wintertime. I urge you to keep that wish alive and visit Lake Erie in winter at least once. It's quite something, and breathtaking in more ways than one.
I adore that his name is Gunga.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was stay at home mom-ing, I don't know how joyous I was. Hopefully a little. I do know that I taught both my kids to read very early and they are both excellent and avid readers as well as writers, so I always pat myself on the back for that. Books at bedtime was a non-negotiable item, and I made sure to start reading things phonetically when I thought they were ready to understand, and voila, it worked! But they both loved being read to, so it was easy and fun for all of us.
I am glad you have the lakehouse to take some refuge in after some tough times. It looks fabulous!
The onions are killing me, Nance. Killing me.
Gina--I am renaming my roasted Vidalias "Nance's Murderous Onions" in your honour.
DeleteWhen Theo first started trying to refer to Sam, we thought he was saying Guncle, but the hard G sound in the second syllable became very pronounced. Sam loves having a special name, so Gunga it is.
I learned to read using Phonics as well, and other methods befuddle me. Admittedly, I didn't delve too deeply into them (sight words, whole language, etc) even when I was taking some classes in reading instruction in college. I was a Phonics girl, deep and committed, and very into the science of reading. Good for you for introducing a love of reading and books early on.
I (of course!) did the same, but only Jared is a reader. Sam does not read for pleasure. Both boys are excellent and engaging writers, however.
It's always good to see you here. I hope this means you've had some downtime in your busy life, even for just a little bit.
Oh, Nance, I'm so glad to find you still here!!! I was a faithful reader through 2 (3?) international moves(we're in Germany now) from around 2010 to around the pandemic when everything went off the rails. In late 2025, crushed by current events and the insane social media situation, I decided to be more proactive about guarding my mental health and reducing/removing social media from my life. I started thinking longingly about my blogging heyday(a good 12-16 years ago), when I woke up every morning looking forward to seeing what my favourite bloggers (you among them)had shared and what people had to say about anything I'd written. It was (for the most part) a friendly, kind, warm, supportive series of interactions which gradually shrivelled up as nearly everyone migrated to FaceBook/Twitter/Insta, blogging turned into nothing more than a conduit for advertising and income, and long-form writing(anything over 140 characters) slowly declined.
ReplyDeleteAs part of this social media 'fast', I decided to dust off my blog reader (sadly defunct or maybe it just doesn't work in Germany) and track down some of my all-time favourites to see if anyone was still out there. Many are not(myself included, but seriously considering resurrecting my sadly neglected patch of cyberspace) but I cannot overstate how delighted I was to find YOU! I did have a few anxious weeks because I happened to jump in right at the point where you were waiting for test results and there was some scary silence. I am so sorry you've received such a frustrating and disappointing diagnosis, but impressed with the grace and fortitude you've shown. I know from personal painful experience that receiving a diagnosis like that can crush your soul, and that just getting up every day and trying to be in the world can be more of a challenge than people can imagine. So thank you for still engaging and still trying, even if things don't always look like you thought or hoped they would.
As for 2026:
I love 'Gunga,' which made me think of Gunga Din, which then reminded me of my college roommate and dear friend who regularly quoted the Kipling line, "You're a better man than I am, Gunga Din." So thank you for that happy memory as well as a charming family name.
Grandchild - amazing attention to detail! I'd celebrate that, too. At the moment, all I have are granddogs, who, while amazing in their own ways, don't bring what I would imagine to be *quite* the same joy. I'd like to think that I delighted in the accomplishments of my own kids when they were small, but like you, I was probably stretched so thin that I didn't seize the moment as often as I should have.
Lake: If I can't have a lake house myself, the next best thing is to hear about someone else's and enjoy it vicariously, and that view did me a world of good. At this moment in history, peace is good wherever you can find it.
Caroline! How wonderful and delightful to see you here again after long last! Has it really been more than 10 years? It seems almost impossible. I'm so glad you decided to come looking for me all the way from Germany.
DeleteI absolutely applaud you for safeguarding your mental/emotional health, however that may look. I'm doing the same and have done. You already know my views on social media in general aside from writing here; see my comments to Gina above.
Thank you for your gracious and very kind comments regarding both my presence here and my recent diagnosis. I'm still very much trying to Find My Way, and the support of my friends here means a great deal. I'm not the only one navigating a chronic condition, so I have great role models amongst them. I'm sorry to hear that you have your own story to share in that realm as well--so, so sorry.
How is it that I, an English teacher, failed to make the connection with the Kipling poem, one that was a favourite in junior high? It was read aloud to us by my 7th grade English teacher, Mr. Karolak, who was an eccentric man with a great capacity for fun and unconventional methods. I even had large parts of it memorized! (I just now recited the first few lines somehow.) Sigh. I swear that migraine and this new illness have eaten my brain.
My own granddog, Zydrunas, gives me an incredible amount of joy. In truth, he and Theo are very much alike. If I need a quick fix of happiness, I run over to Sam's and get some Z time. Theo is right now an hour away, on the east side of Cleveland, and I cannot drive that far. Happily, they are moving this month, and only 20 minutes away!
Not only do I know how immensely fortunate I am to be retired, I know how fortunate I am to have the lakehouse. It is better than any pharmeceutical for me. I wish all my friends could have both, a secure retirement and a getaway place. I worked hard for both, so it wasn't like both were simply dropped into my lap, but still, I know enough to be very grateful.
Of course you're exactly right that it's of the utmost importance that each of us finds peace wherever and however we may. It's not selfish in the least to guard our own health and welfare. I think of it as The Oxygen Mask Theory that's been coined by others: You have to help yourself first before you can go on to help others.
Continous journey of self-improvement- YES. Some days are easier than others, but I try to stay on this journey.
ReplyDeleteI made sauteed onions and peppers as a side for dinner last night with olive oil and Dash (formerly Mrs. Dash), and let me tell you, it was heavenly. So I imagine roasted onions would be even better. I'm bookmarking this for future use.
Your lake picture is beautiful, Nance. I hope any pain you might have is manageable and that you are well. Let's definitely do our part to keep the peace. 😘💜
Kari--Your side dish sounds so good. I tossed some chicken thighs, a pint of grape tomatoes, some kalamata olives, a few mushrooms (torn), and a roughly chopped yellow pepper with good olive oil and Penzey's Frozen Pizza Seasoning on a sheet pan and roasted the whole thing at 375 for about 50 minutes. I took out the chicken, then mixed the rest with some rice for the side. Easy and flavourful. Do you use Penzey's? Their spices and blends are wonderful, and so is their politics/mission.
DeleteThank you for the kind words about my lake and my wellbeing. As you say, some days are easier than others, and I try to keep everything in perspective. Winter is not the best judge of my condition, I think, and I'm very grateful that I've not gotten the flu or covid or anything on top of this, which is riskier now. My life may be smaller, but I still find joy. (As you do, my friend, in such gracious, everyday things.)
Nance! How did I miss this post when it came out last week? Welcome back. I hope you continue to feel up to blogging.
ReplyDeleteOur tree is still up and neither of us has mentioned a single word about taking it down. It's been up for a month now, so I think it will have to come down sometime this week, but it makes me so happy to have its cheerful light in the gloom.
Theo is obviously a genius. You don't have to apologize for reality.
Engie--Thanks for the kind words about Theo, especially. We just had him overnight on Saturday, and he amazed us even more. His sense of humour is wicked and witty. I'm still resting and recovering from his visit, but it's so worth it.
DeleteI miss my tree almost every morning, so I completely understand yours still being up and being enjoyed by you and your husband. Does Zelda lie under the tree? Piper always does.
Perhaps we Midwesterners should normalize having a lighted tree of some kind or another in our homes December through February, just so we make it through the winter with some semblance of sanity. I bet it catches on.
Zelda is under the tree a lot. She likes that she can both hide from the dog there and also sneakily jump out and attack her from under it. She's basically a jerk cat and we love her.
DeleteHappy New Year Nance! I love your story about Theo; I thought he was just saying that because the spoon rest had a smiling person on it, but it is so fun that he made the connection with that and the book. I remember when a child of a friend of mine started saying "actually" and I thought how the heck did she learn that word and figure out how to use it properly. It is so cool what they pick up and remember and then utilize. I love seeing that development; it really is magical. I don't know if you are still at the lake, since I am way late in commenting, but if so, I hope you are getting the rest you want and if you are back at home, I hope that the lake was exactly what you needed! Water and calm really does wonders for the soul. Oh and PS. I am still trying to figure out this thing called patience... how exactly does it work? Haha.
ReplyDeleteKyria--Thank you. Theo continues to develop so much with language and other things. He never ceases to amaze me. Kids really do absorb so many nuances; it makes me doubly cautious of my behaviour when I'm around them. I don't want to be responsible for any future bad habits!
DeleteWe only spent a couple of days at the lake. Even though we are retired, we still have a few responsibilities back at home, Piper the cat being one. He doesn't travel well, so he has to stay at home. I'm anxious to return to our lakehouse, however; as soon as we have a few days unspoken for, we are headed back. It's such a relaxing, calming place, no matter when we go.