just a small note. to say thank you for all your comments and emails full of concern. and encouragement. it was all so much appreciated. so much. i took as many breaks as i could last week. and did lots of walking. and lots of sewing. and feel much better now. the crisis earlier this week revolved around me possibly having to get a full-time job again. instead of teaching part-time and running my shop part-time. which would mean a loss of the free time that i have worked so hard to get. and which would also affect so many other aspects of our lives. and our dreams. 

but things are going to be okay for now. we are going to wait until the end of february to make any major decisions. this past week we made some changes to the way my business is run. and i picked up some extra teaching at the university for april. and the big project that i had started a long time ago. is finally underway again. and i came up with a whole new project to start on, too. hopefully the rest of this month will go smoothly. i've got my fingers crossed. 

i owe some of you replies. to the thoughtful emails you sent this last week. and you will get one. really soon. 

Comments

[Jacqueline]

Leslie, im glad your feeling at least a little better. So true, your thoughts on taking time when you need it. Love to you! I hope things will be smoother for you this month too! Take good carez! Have a lovely merry sunday night!

[Yoli]

I hope everything goes well for you. I am sending you good thoughts. Some times what we fear opens the avenue to unexpected joys and opportunities. It will get better.

[lisa]

Glad to hear you're feeling better. I too find walking and crafting help me, along with spending time with friends. And I make sure to avoid listening to or reading the news.

[Jennifer]

Sounds like you needed that precious time to be able to think things through, move around, and breathe. The sight of plum blossoms got me through a couple of gray days last weeka---little sparks, aren't they?

[victoria]

I find that if I'm at least doing something towards changing my situation, however small, you feel empowered that it's not just spiralling away from you.

I only work 2 days a week and really enjoy having something outside of the house, the girls, and of course I like the money. My work is flexible but my colleague, the one I work immediately with, is impossible. No-one else has to have an ongoing relationship with her, they can just deal with her on a single issue and move on, but I have to get along with her. She's so draining, so negative and I hate that feeling of work dragging you down when you're not even there, particularly when it's only 2 days a week.

So, I'm back to work on Thursday and I am going to address it with her, aspects that I find hard to deal with. I'm not looking forward to it, but I feel I have to DO something.

[kirsten]

so glad to hear things are figuring themselves out. life is tough sometimes, isn't it. i feel you. xo

[Alex]

Walking and sewing certainly are soothing, and the plum blossoms with their heavenly scent do a great job of cheering up, don't they?!
A point seems to be reached at which people here in this country really feel the effects of the crisis. Badly.
Hope February turns out well for you, Leslie!

[lindsey clare]

that is great that you have some time to breathe. it sucks that so often money is an obstacle to our dreams. you are such a good person and i want to see you succeed!

[A Twitter User]

breathe-taking photo of the blossom. It's amazing.
YOU are amazing. Everything works out the way it's supposed to. For some reason.

[Kirsten]

I am glad things are looking better, or at least that you have the time to make a thoughtful decision, this is such a trying time. Take care, I am thinking of you.

[cindy k]

i'm glad you're feeling better and found some creative ways to maintain some time to be creative. tough times right now all around.