I recently started a dollhouse hobby. I always wanted one but didn’t get one as a child. So I’m building one now. While it’s under construction, I’ve pulled my daughter’s childhood dollhouse out of storage. When I’m sad and feel out of control, I decorate the dollhouse, move furniture around, make decor for it out of bits of trash, and scour Pinterest for ideas to paint Dollar Store dollhouse furniture. After I get it all arranged I turn on the little lights inside it and just sit and look at it. It makes my inner child happy and gives me the feeling that I am in control of something in my life!
My “go to” respite when in the throes of caring for my ill loved ones was TV, specifically Queer Eye episodes. 5 guys swoop in and make someone feel better about themselves by a lifestyle makeover. Cheesy maybe, but it warmed my heart and helped me cry.
Enjoy your rest. Savor it. Take as long as you need. 🤗
So sorry your week was a shitty one, Natalie. When life gets too much for me I eat too much chocolate (I detest the taste of liquor & utterly loathe wine, so drinking's out, which maybe isn't that bad a thing), have looong hot showers, cuddle with my husband (who's always up for it), hug my cat too hard & long (to her way of thinking, anyway) & watch alien invasion movies ("Battleship", "Independence Day", "Battle: Los Angeles" & "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" are my current faves). And if driving through an automatic car wash 27 times in the middle of the night does the trick, I say go for it! There are certainly plenty of worse coping mechanisms.
Thank you for your honesty. May I send you a copy of the book I published three months ago as a gift? It deals with many flat tires and buoyancy - the complicated beauty of being human.
With a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s for my husband “flat tire” expresses it just right. Having practiced meditation off and on, I fall back on sitting if only for five minutes breathing slow and steady and being still.
I go to bed. But here is something I want you to know Natalie, I just spent 4 days off the grid in the Mt. Adams wilderness area and in addition to my husband, my companion was the book, Shout her Lovely Name by one Natalie Serber. It was sooo good and transported me in such a way that I almost didn't want to leave the campsite to go for a hike. Your writing is beautiful, vulnerable and so human...no wonder you have hard days. You FEEL...and I thank you for that. I hope today is the gift you need.
Oh honey. It feels so personal when you’re dealing with a mother whose brain has become deeply disordered. It’s important to remind yourself she can’t help it. You are literally dealing with someone who has lost her mind. You must manage not only her basic needs but how you think about her. But I’m sure it’s an assault on the senses being near her. So I’m glad you’ve shortened your post today. Better for you and we can wait. You give so much. Drink the wine. Go for that walk. Watch or read something funny. My cure this week is listening to David Sedaris read his new collection of stories. It’s so endearing and funny. Sending love. Xoxo
Love you, Natalie Serber. Life can be a lot and I am sorry it continues to press on your heart. When I picture you and our time in Paris, I see your genuine smile. oxox
I recently started a dollhouse hobby. I always wanted one but didn’t get one as a child. So I’m building one now. While it’s under construction, I’ve pulled my daughter’s childhood dollhouse out of storage. When I’m sad and feel out of control, I decorate the dollhouse, move furniture around, make decor for it out of bits of trash, and scour Pinterest for ideas to paint Dollar Store dollhouse furniture. After I get it all arranged I turn on the little lights inside it and just sit and look at it. It makes my inner child happy and gives me the feeling that I am in control of something in my life!
That is a stroke of genius! xN
You are welcome to come over & play dollhouse with me.
Sending love and a big hug! xo
Thank you! I am grateful for the kind words. xxN
My “go to” respite when in the throes of caring for my ill loved ones was TV, specifically Queer Eye episodes. 5 guys swoop in and make someone feel better about themselves by a lifestyle makeover. Cheesy maybe, but it warmed my heart and helped me cry.
Enjoy your rest. Savor it. Take as long as you need. 🤗
LOVE Queer Eye! I too have binged entire seasons when I felt low. They are the best! xN
Sending a BIG hug
Thank you, xN
So sorry your week was a shitty one, Natalie. When life gets too much for me I eat too much chocolate (I detest the taste of liquor & utterly loathe wine, so drinking's out, which maybe isn't that bad a thing), have looong hot showers, cuddle with my husband (who's always up for it), hug my cat too hard & long (to her way of thinking, anyway) & watch alien invasion movies ("Battleship", "Independence Day", "Battle: Los Angeles" & "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" are my current faves). And if driving through an automatic car wash 27 times in the middle of the night does the trick, I say go for it! There are certainly plenty of worse coping mechanisms.
The car wash sounds fantastic!!!! I love this list!
You take all the breaks you need! Sending ease and connection and love!!
I’m so sorry dear Natalie! Im glad you’re taking some time off. Me too. See you on the flip-side.
I'm always right next door if an unexpected day needs a no-questions-asked hug in addition to that glass of wine.
Thank you. Thank you. xN
Wishing you a comfort filled day today! 💕💕
Hi Natalie
Thank you for your honesty. May I send you a copy of the book I published three months ago as a gift? It deals with many flat tires and buoyancy - the complicated beauty of being human.
Mary
I would love that. So kind!
Would you email me your address?
Mary.marquiss@gmail.com
Marymarquiss.com
With a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s for my husband “flat tire” expresses it just right. Having practiced meditation off and on, I fall back on sitting if only for five minutes breathing slow and steady and being still.
I spend time steering my mind to gratitude.
Sending you hugs. xxN
oh Natalie. I am so sorry. She is SO tough for you on so many levels. She was tough before the dementia -- but now? HORRIBLE.
My overwhelm strategies. Probably TMI ...
- I take a bath (or a shower if I am away from home) in the evening -- because the water and cleaness soothe my body.
- I eat some greek yogurt, whatever fruit we have around, and maybe some sauerkraut or a pickle -- because my gut reacts to stress these days.
- I listen to music I love and sing along if I have an alone space to do that -- because singing goes deep into my heart and my feels.
- I sit on the porch and watch the pond.
- If I have time, I reread a beloved book and plunge into it -- because another story absorbs my restless mind and ego.
- I play NYT games -- and solitaire -- on my computer before bed -- to give my monkey mind some solace.
- I write a brief poem cued by the NYT Spelling Bee words -- and post it at midnight.
- If I still can't sleep, I wrote myself a letter about what's going on.
I love the poem based on the spelling bee! What a great idea! Thanks for this beautiful list! xN
I go to bed. But here is something I want you to know Natalie, I just spent 4 days off the grid in the Mt. Adams wilderness area and in addition to my husband, my companion was the book, Shout her Lovely Name by one Natalie Serber. It was sooo good and transported me in such a way that I almost didn't want to leave the campsite to go for a hike. Your writing is beautiful, vulnerable and so human...no wonder you have hard days. You FEEL...and I thank you for that. I hope today is the gift you need.
What a beautiful note. Thank you, Kaarin. I hope your time away was perfect. xN
Oh honey. It feels so personal when you’re dealing with a mother whose brain has become deeply disordered. It’s important to remind yourself she can’t help it. You are literally dealing with someone who has lost her mind. You must manage not only her basic needs but how you think about her. But I’m sure it’s an assault on the senses being near her. So I’m glad you’ve shortened your post today. Better for you and we can wait. You give so much. Drink the wine. Go for that walk. Watch or read something funny. My cure this week is listening to David Sedaris read his new collection of stories. It’s so endearing and funny. Sending love. Xoxo
😘your words are a balm. xN
Love you, Natalie Serber. Life can be a lot and I am sorry it continues to press on your heart. When I picture you and our time in Paris, I see your genuine smile. oxox
Love you right back! Soon we will be linking arms on the rue!
Oh dear Natalie, I'm propping you up from afar!
Yes, you are! Thank you. xN