Time for a Break

So far, summer is hot and stressful, my focus scattering, evaporating like water droplets sprayed from a hose. 

We're moving soon – fingers crossed! It's been a huge, messy process for many reasons and even though it's far from over, I'll take whatever progress we make, whenever we make it, one step at a time, one packing box full of bubble wrap at a time. 

I'm still writing, but focusing on brainstorming and shorter projects. I'm still reading, because believe me, you don't want to be around when I don't get to read. My husband is still keeping me from totally melting down. And the tortoises are still . . . tortoise-ing. 

Since the tortoises are the sanest ones around here – I swear having shells has something to do with it - I'm going to listen to their advice about taking a blogging break until some time in August. I'll still be around, popping in and out, but no new posts for a bit. 

Take care, everyone!

*****

How's your summer? Is your focus scattered or sharp as tart lemonade? Any packing/moving/getting settled tips? Any advice for an anxious introvert about meeting new neighbors and not appearing like a total wackadoo? 

Picture It!

I thought I'd go visual with this post and show some photos - taken by my husband or myself - of the area where we live. We by no means live in the country, but to a girl who grew up in the city, it's close enough. (One day, I'll have to tell you about the wild chicken . . . .)

Ah, sunrise!

This guy might need extra postage.

This cobweb is NOT a reflection
of my cleaning abilities.

Sandhill cranes, protecting their nest.
Check out the egg!

Every place has pros and cons,
but I love where I live

Oh, and the tortoises want to make sure you check out their two new photos over on the righthand sidebar near the top . . . . 

*****

Do you take photos of your daily life or do you wait for an event or a vacation? What critters share your space - inside or outside? Do you love where you live?

There's No Place Like Home

I sometimes feel like there's something wrong with me that I don't want to see more of the world, especially since at first glance, it looks like I can throw some things in a bag and just go. Ah, but appearances can be deceiving! The world has changed, and so have I. Airline travel is so much harder for me now - I might as well buy another seat just for my anxiety. And when the trip is over, when I'm back home, I'm usually so incredibly drained it takes me awhile to bounce back.

Oh, I still do it. I make myself do it. I've done it for not-so-happy reasons, like helping out when someone was sick. I've done it for happier occasions, like an anniversary party and just-because. I have flown once a year - at least! - for close to two decades. And I'll continue to fly up North or on vacation . . . but to a lesser degree.

Here's why: I only have so much energy - mental, emotional, physical. I'm at the point in my life where I need to direct that energy to different things, to other hard things like losing weight and writing.

I'm totally open to a road trip. A long weekend away sounds good. I do enjoy seeing new things or seeing old things in a new way. But here's the thing: I like where I live, and I love my home. I will no longer apologize for that.

This quote by George R. R. Martin sums it all up for me:

I HAVE LIVED A THOUSAND LIVES

AND I'VE LOVED A THOUSAND LOVES.

I'VE WALKED ON DISTANT WORLDS

AND SEEN THE END OF TIME.

BECAUSE I READ.

Do you enjoy traveling or are you more of a homebody? Do you have a fear of flying? Is anyone in your life critical of that? Do you feel like you're not "really living" if you don't see the world?