Picking Myself Back Up

I didn’t intend to take a week off to recover from the election results. And, while I don’t think I will ever feel good about what’s happened, I know a couple of things. One, I need my people and you all are my people. And two, I need to write when I have big feelings. There’s been a lot of journaling and that’s helpful. It’s also a solitary activity and I need to add my community back into the mix for a balanced approach to my life.

So, a few updates on what’s been happening since last Tuesday.

Our dining room is complete and everything is back in place! To recap: new hardwood floors, the removal of a weird window from back when we had a porch and not a mudroom, and all new paint. It’s the same furniture and area rug and it’s not a huge change in the way it looks since I stayed with a similar shade of green but the floors are amazing.

Our living room is thisclose to being completely finished. The painting is done except for a couple of baseboards that can’t be attached until the hearth and fireplace surround is finished. The granite should be ready this week, I think. The the custom cabinets and bookcases are done except for the cabinet doors being installed and I love them. The furniture is all moved back and the television is going back on the wall today. I’m waiting on a rug and I have drapes to hang but it’s usable now and that’s been such a boost for my outlook.

I’ve actually been knitting a bit. And my reading slump seems to have abated.

And yesterday I marched in our Veteran’s Day parade. It’s a small parade and we rotate hosting in 3 neighboring communities, this year was in the town next door. The parade route was lined with people of all ages . . . little kids holding signs that said “thank you veterans” . . . older couples clapping . . . families waving . . . you get the idea. And you know what? It did my heart good. I looked at all of those flags and I stood for the national anthem during the ceremony at the conclusion of the parade route and I reminded myself that I am part of all of this.

I don’t have to like that the majority of those who voted want our country to go in a different direction than I do.

And I’m still angry and dismayed and so much more.

But I won’t let that stop me from feeling the joy when it comes around.

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This Post Has 14 Comments

  1. Congratulations on picking yourself back up! It takes a lot of willpower sometimes. I am working on it myself, but not there yet. I am so pleased that your house is coming together, Carole. That is a huge mood boost, I know. Your nest will be wonderful this winter as we all hunker down in so many ways. I don’t see much joy lately, but yes, let’s remember to grab it when we see it and enjoy it thoroughly.

  2. I looked for a parade in nearby communities yesterday but didn’t find any. I’m glad that yours was as fulfilling as I had imagined. There are still plenty of lovely and wondrous things in the world and I hope we don’t let our feelings about that guy cloud all of them. Congratulations on your renovations being almost done! What date should I save for the housewarming/unveiling party?! 🙂

  3. I think you already know you’re a valued part of a larger community that shares your values. I think community is going to be more important than ever going forward. And I think it’s important we reclaim the flag and what it traditionally stands for instead of letting that be subverted by others. Welcome back. We’re going to need you and our librarians.

  4. I am glad to see you back, and I’m glad that yesterday’s festivities brought some joy to your heart. Though Americans may differ in what they think is best for this country, I don’t doubt that the majority of us value it and want it to succeed.

    Can’t wait to see the big renovation transformation!

  5. Welcome back Carole – so good to “hear” your voice again. How wonderful that your renovations are almost finished – you are going to have a wonderful cozy season!! I agree with what you and others have said – it is so important to have our friendships and sense of community right here in blogland. It is a saving grace. I love that your town had a parade and you were part of it. We need more of that!

  6. Resiliency . . . is an incredible thing. I saw a quote today (from Nora McInerny, but shared by Adam Grant) that really resonates with me at this particular time: “We don’t move on from grief. We move forward with it.” Here’s to moving forward . . . as best we can. XO

  7. I’ve missed you. Welcome back.

    Vacillating between rage and deep sadness these days. The grands were here yesterday because school was closed, and that helped a bit, even just pretending so they wouldn’t feel all of the weight.

    Knitting a bit, darning socks hoping for Fall in my part of the world, and watching/listening to uplifting voices helps.

    Looking forward to the big reveal on your renovations!

  8. Glad to hear that you’re happy with the renovations and they are coming along. It’ll be so nice when they’re all done. I feel the same way about the election results. So disheartening and scary, but we need to keep going and find joy where we can.

  10. I too have missed you and also totally understand your absence, since I share your feelings. It’s hard to stay positive with all the news and information coming at us from every direction. We’ll all get there, and in the meantime the random joys surround us. I take special comfort from my grand daughters, Who are very tuned in to what’s going on, and realize it will be their responsibility in the future to help get the country on an even keel. Fingers crossed!

  11. I am so excited that parts of your update are done! A space to eat is a good thing, so yay for a finished dining room!!

    I am glad you marched in your parade… community is supposed to be a good thing and I am glad that having a common focus (Veterans) is unifying.

    We have had some hiccups here that make community less than pleasant. Our local schools were closed for “credible threats” yesterday and those threats kept the bands from participating in the Pittsburgh parade. And we have had several schools who have had students get the horrific texts so my anger is still near the boiling point. I am reminding myself that being in community is not the same as being of a community.

  12. Congrats on the renovations! Those must help your outlook a lot. Personally, I haven’t read a really good book in weeks, which is depressing. I think I may read all of Carl Hiaasen’s books, starting with the first one. They are so delightfully humorous AND satirical, perfect for my state of mind.

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