My apologies, my friends, there will not be a post today. For the life of me I can’t summon enough enthusiasm to write about anything today. Must be too much snow, too much political chaos, too much negativity in the world. Well, except for Canada beating the USA to win the championship of the “Four Nations Cup.” Nothing like a hockey win to raise Canadian spirits. For a time anyway.
So, today, instead of labouring to bang out something… anything… on my keyboard, I am retreating to my sun room with my book. I’ll be back next week.
Don’t you just love that painting, above, by Robert Bateman? The snow, the barn, the patient workhorse waiting out the storm. Makes me homesick for a time in my life, and a place that no longer exists, except in my memory.
Now my book is calling me. See you next week. 🙂
48 thoughts on “My Apologies”
I understand completely. I have retreated to book reading as well. Until next week …
Take care of yourself. Too much ‘stuff’ needs a break.
Goodness, no need to apologize Sue. All the effort you put in to your weekly blogs & Vlogs is always appreciated. 💖🤗 I am always amazed at all the wonderful & thoughtful ideas and subjects you manage to come up with and I enjoy them all.
I am looking for and enjoying all the small things that bring joy these days. Like a new beautiful purple and white violet that is flowering like mad on my kitchen table. There is something so soothing in nature & beautiful colours. Being kind to ones self and enjoying something that brings us joy, like a good book, sounds like a good reminder to us all. 🪻🌻🌺
I’m reading in solidarity with you! See you next week!
Oh yes, feeling so much the same way. . . . I hope the book is one that will let you disappear momentarily from this troubled world. xo
100% agree. Admire your willingness to share this. Take care.
Agree with you, Sue.
Take care xx
As much as I look forward to your weekly blog I totally understand! I really just want to close the curtains, turn off the news and pretend all the chaos outside my little bubble didn’t exist. So I think I will do just that!! (For a while anyway). See you next week Sue! Enjoy your book!
I understand completely. My retreat from the world (weather, news) this week has been to try to delete and organize some of my thousands of photos on my devices. They are all sending messages they are too full to work properly anymore. Which is exactly how I feel too. Take care. Look forward to hearing from you when you are ready.
This was enough, Sue. That wonderful painting and your words about being homesick for a place that no longer exists. That will do me for a Sunday.
No apology necessary and I’m totally in sympathy with you Sue. We’re coming to the end of winter here in the UK and the relentless grey skies and daily sombre news is very wearing on the spirit. I’m looking forward to sunshine and Spring flowers… hopefully just around the corner. Take care, snuggle up and enjoy your book.
You generously give us so much of yourself, Sue. I’m reassured that you’ve given yourself some space this week. We need comfort, diversion and hope right now, and if we listen deeply to our instincts for what we need then that is only putting good into the world.
Like your previous reader suggested, nature, beauty and colour are a balm for the spirit, as are books, classic films and baking and so many other small, precious things within arms reach.
Sometimes, going into our dark and quiet interior is the very best remedy.
Keep cosy.
I have been feeling the same way Sue. And, as an American, I was happy your hockey team won and applauded the statement of your Prime Minister.
Same here!
The world is a very sad and seemingly hopeless environment at times. We all feel , well at least any of us that have a conscience, as you do. Some days it’s difficult to keep keeping on. It’s exhausting to try to find good it our planet. Thank you for allowing us the ability to admit it out loud. Stay safe and warm. Spring sunshine and dome late winter rest will hopefully lift our spirits. If only I could find a book that could help in my escape . I have been purging my storage space with a vengeance as never before to help clear my mind and my home. Its good productive therapy for me. And a benefit to local thrift shops. Chat next week Sue. May time being us all some resolution and peace and hope again.
Psychologist here. I suggest: 1) time limits, and 2) scheduling. For instance, limit your exposure to the news to five minutes a day (or 10). Stick to that limit every day. Then you won’t be continually re-exposed throughout the day. The scheduling suggestion pertains to the rants. I suspect your husband needs and wants to rant. But if you plan on one per day, you have the rest of the day rant-free. Schedule it with him (again, 5 or 10 minutes). If he needs to rant longer, have him put it on paper, then tear it up what he wrote. This would help him get it out, and ripping up paper is satisfying. Oh, I just recalled another thing I have had clients do: whip balled-up socks at a target. A piece of paper with a face drawn on it can be taped to the wall to serve as a target. You identify the target individual however you wish. Then throw as hard as you can! This is both therapeutic and hilarious!
Oh what good advise. I know I need to stop scrolling through awful news. I find I get upset for the Park Rangers who have lost so much. I am not even American, but it brings me to tears what is going on. I am going to ball up a few socks, though I’d prefer something sharper if truth be known. Thank you
Sue, if you’re feeling this way as a Canadian I’m sure you can sympathize with how demoralized many of us in the US feel right now. Plus my heart is breaking for the people of Ukraine who no doubt fear abandonment by our government. Take care and I look forward to reading your blog next week.
I so agree with the comments you’ve already received. I almost felt it unnecessary to add my voice.. but isn’t that the point? To have confirmation from others that you are not alone with the way you are feeling and thinking. I love that you modelled self care which many women can find difficult. And also that I believe you know that we’ll all be here for you and each other when you’re back.
You left us with a wonderful painting to pause over. Thank you for that and so, so much more.
I’m a transplanted Canadian and my brain is sprained from the firehose of news so I’m minimizing my intake of news and reading good books too. Healthier than turning to drink or drugs!
Thinking so many of us are feeling the same way. Take care of you for as long as you need. We will all be here. ❤️
Your feelings are understandable. As an American with a strong love of country, my family, friends and I are devastated by this horrid administration, as well as by those who support and applaud it. We cheered Canada’s hockey victory along with the Prime Minister’s comments.
Yes, we in the U.S. are so overwhelmed right now. Is there no end to the depravity of this man and his sidekick? Disappearing into a book sounds like the kindest thing for oneself. Take care. Recharge. I look forward to your next post.
Like Mary and Nan, I am also glad your hockey team won ! Take care !
Echo, echo, echo — all the lovely words of other readers/commenters, and my gratitude for your weekly words. Books and focussing on the things that bring joy and solace are important. Because one day, each of us, in our own ways, will emerge with a thing or two we can do to make a difference, whether large or small, within our own realms, and perhaps that collective energy will revive us…and yes—-best hockey game ever!
You are definitely not alone – chin up x
Struggling mightily with the news, doing what I can as an American to disrupt this theft of democracy and pillaging of the treasury, and finding new wells of admiration for Canada. Also trying for tiny little joys every day to reset and remind myself of the beauty in the world. The sun is out on this crisp California morning, and I opened a window to see a familiar ground squirrel a few feet away, waiting for my cat. They have a quiet fascination with each other through the screen, the squirrel munching on clover nearby, unafraid, and my cat Boba settling into bread loaf position for the show.
Thank you, Sue, for being so honest about how you’re feeling and for giving all of us who feel the heaviness of the times we find ourselves in a safe place to share.
Time to be gentle with yourself. Sometimes self care is the best thing you can do for the world. Take care, no rush.
I echo all of the above comments. ❤️
Sue no apologies needed. I feel the same. Heading out into the sunshine for a therapeutic walk. Thank you for all your wonderful posts.
I hope all these lovely comments lift your spirits. As an American with Canadian relatives, I am deeply frustrated by the current state of affairs in my country. However, seeing Robert Bateman’s artwork has been a delightful reminder of his beautiful work. I have two of his books of drawings. Be well.
You, of course, are entitled to time off. But I do miss reading your posts. My cousin is here in California visiting from Buffalo. He is enjoying our early signs of spring which he won’t see at home for a least another month. But it does seem that we love your winters with skiing and long walks. I would enjoy that for a short time by the window and a nice fire. LOL.
Looking forward to hearing more from you soon. Enjoy your book!
Jan
Before I read your post, I felt guilty about wanting to go back to bed to read. Now I know I will be in good company.
Peace.
Just one more American here, echoing all of the thoughts above. Thank you for your wonderful posts- they are always the first thing I read on Sunday morning, usually before getting out of bed! And this morning you so beautifully expressed what we are feeling. Thank you!
Good for you. No justification is ever needed. Sometimes things are just too much, even if there is nothing to point at.
Once again, you can be an example to us all. Enjoy taking whatever you need, our friend.
Chère Sue,
Comme je comprends votre désir de vous abstraire de ce monde qui marche sur la tête !
Je suis submergée par des émotions négatives .
Mais le pire ,c’est l’incapacité que je ressens a les exprimer. C’est trop ….
Trop de violences, l’inhumanité,de barbarie …
Comment croire encore en l’homme…
Alors je fais comme vous .Je lis …
En Provence ,le printemps est presque là.Le gazon verdit,les tulipes pointent leur nez,les bourgeons des rosiers se gonflent de vie…
Et vous ,vous êtes sous la neige …
Les travaux de ma maison sont presque terminés.Je suis contente du résultat.
Si vos voyages vous amènent en France, je serais enchantée de vous recevoir dans ma Drôme provençale…
Prenez mon invitation très au sérieux…
My goodness, Célia. What a kind and generous offer. 🙂
Snowshoeing up in the Gatineau this morning – wonderful country that we live in. To be born here is like winning the lottery! Take good care, Sue..we appreciate all that you do!
Completely understand. I do not follow the news at all and am ashamed that everyone thinks that all Americans support T. So glad that Canada won at hockey. I am also escaping as often as possible- Mary Lou
The painting is beautiful. I can almost see the horse’s breath in the cold air. Please rest, we all need a break from our heartbreak.. From a U.S. Fan of Canada, congrats on the win. Made my day. Fight for keeping your country from our toddler wanna be king.
I am so thankful for a good cup of tea, my faux fireplace and books. The only thing keeping me sane in these crazy times.
Agree it’s a sad world we are living in mainly because of one nasty person. Trying to stay away from the news, reading back issues of English gardening magazines. Their climate is different from ours and they use “proper” names for plants, aubergine I had to look up, turns out they love eggplants. Lots of good ideas even so
Sue, you give so much delight to us every week-thank you for expressing what so many of are feeling now with the political insanity and cruelty of T & his henchmen that seems to be an endless stream of horror. I ‘m not watching or listening to the news, only skimming the headlines in the newspaper. Also I’m hiding out in books – lucky for me the public library is only three blocks away! What a treasure that is. Although I’m very tempted to break out the Georgette Heyers that I reserve for when I’m in bed with the flu!
A good long walk in nature is so beneficial too. Others have given good suggestions as well. Please take care of yourself, we will be here waiting for when you are up to another wonderful, warm and witty post.
Many. many, many thanks for all the lovely comments, my friends. Cheered me right up. Your kind words, toasted Hot Cross Buns with strong tea, and a good book. Worked wonders. xox
Hi Sue … echoing all the sentiments here … and loving the Robert Bateman painting. Its as if I’m looking out of a window.
Also your comment about being homesick for a particular time in your life … that really resonates.
Take care, Stu too … and enjoy the cosiness of your sunroom and your beautiful view.
Rosie xx
Thank you for owning for all of us your need for respite. A pause for respite and then (I pray for myself, not necessarily prescribing for another!) return to the work, whatever it may be.
Katherine
Thank you for the new to me painting/artist! What a gift in this gloomy time.
Ceci
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