That I am optimistic enough to attempt to pull together a post for Friday’s Fave Five this week is a statement in and of itself about the lifting of the metaphoric fog I’ve stumbled around in for months. As Martha would say, “It’s a good thing.” So here we go.
A pedi. For years, going for a pedicure has been a regular indulgence I slotted into my calendar. I don’t see that stopping anytime soon—or ever. I still miss the place (and the price!) I went to when we lived in WA but after seven years (!) living back in Canada, I’ve adjusted. 🙂
Coffee and conversation. We’ve learned to be creative and intentional in the ways we connect with one another, and developed an increased appreciation for face-to-face conversation. Coffee this week with a friend was a gift.
Float therapy. For years, ever since I first heard of floating in a sensory deprivation tank, I wanted to try it. Ninety minutes of pure solitude and silence? Sign me up! But it became one of those things I wanted to do but would probably not have taken the first step toward doing. Enter my husband who gave me a gift card to the local float therapy place for Christmas. I put off going for the first time, wanting to be in the right headspace for the experience, but when I finally went, I was hooked. I went this week for the second time and purchased a membership. I’m not going to describe my experience because it’s personal, and likely different for everyone. Suffice to say that it’s my new favourite thing.
Epicure. This is a Canadian company offering cookware and healthy herb mixes and seasonings. I had never tried any of their products until someone gifted me with a dish of African Sweet Potato Stew made with one of their seasoning packets. We loved it! I made it again this week (So easy. Ground turkey, diced sweet potatoes, coconut milk, diced tomatoes, and the seasoning.) and placed an order for a variety of other seasonings that will help see us through the rest of winter mealtime funk.
Watercolour. I’m taking a beginmer class with Canadian watercolour artist, Angela Fehr. She talks about becoming your own favourite artist through heart-led watercolour. I don’t know about that happening, but I’m having fun—and that’s really the point.
Getting organized. After spending the first three weeks of this year mostly doing nothing (and making no apologies for it), this week I tended to things needing my attention. It feels good to have crossed some things off my ever-evolving to do list and feel like I have a measure of organization in place for some projects and life.
This week, in some ways, feels like the first one of the year for me. It was a good one. There’s still so much uncertainty in the world but there’s peace in the midst. Unplugging for a time was the right thing for me. Maybe I’ll do it more often.
Wishing you a peaceful weekend, friends.
(Oops! I just realized I posted Friday’s Fave Six! Well, that kind of says something about the week that was, doesn’t it?)
I do love visiting with you here, Linda. I sense a connection, a kindred spirit. A pedicure would be a lovely treat right about now. And I am absolutely fascinated by the float therapy. I’ve never heard of it before and it sounds soothing and magical in the best ways.
And watercolor continues to come to my mind and heart more and more. Maybe this year?
Love my visits to your blog, and I find hope here. One positive in my darkness is the thought of beginning to quilt again. It was one of the things I wanted to do more of in retirement, and yet writing took precedence when I retired. Perhaps a different kind of creativity would help me in beginning to work on writing again. So glad God brought us together!
The title of your book intrigues me. Where is it being sold??
Lovely list of faves……enjoy the weekend!
It’s funny, I have never had any earthly desire for a pedi. But my sister gets them regularly. We each have our own treats. My son had a float therapy session once. He enjoyed it, but I don’t know if he has done it again. I had come to the conclusion early in the pandemic, when I was experiencing some kind of malaise, that productivity isn’t everything. But then it does feel really good to get some things done and off the to-do list as well.
I love your list and yay! for six items on it! You sound very motivated right now. I’ve never done float therapy, but now I really would like to try it sometime!
I’m glad you are feeling more peaceful these days. This post certainly reflects that. The watercolor class sounds wonderful. Pedis are one of the few things I splurge on — that and some highlights occasionally. While I love the finished look, the foot massage in itself makes the cost worthwhile for me! My son has raved about the float tank experience. He has encouraged me to do it, but I’m a bit claustrophobic, so I can’t bring myself to do it. I’m glad it’s a rejuvenating experience for you.
Sounds like you had a much better week this week. I’ve had a couple of weeks where I haven’t done much either. The lockdown here and the pandemic generally are not helpful to my mood. However I don’t think I could do the float tank, 90 minutes is a long time lol. I’d probably find it a bit too claustrophobic too. But if it works for you then definitely do it more often. And the pedi. That’s not really my sort of thing either but just as well as beauty salons are closed right now. The painting class sounds fun. Enjoy the weekend.
Simplifying, organizing, and decluttering always energizes me. I’m glad you had success with the organizing this week. All the isolation has created havoc with everyone’s routines.
I have had maybe six pedis in my whole life although lately I’ve considered getting one. My daughter is a regular and loves it.
Have a restful weekend and be safe and well.