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Finding Your Cheese's avatar

Thanks for the book rec!

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Susie Middleton's avatar

It’s a fun one!

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Carollyn Philip's avatar

Maybe there is no "cure" for you, but uplifting others through your writing helps the rest of get out of our heads--"one step at a time, one day at a time."

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Susie Middleton's avatar

well, Carollyn, I’m glad. And it sure is one step, one day at a time. Writing through this stuff really helps me, too!

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Kathy Martin's avatar

Lovely, lovely Andy Warhol print. Not a fan of all this stuff, but those colors are gorgeous. And the toilet! Love that. Any print with a toilet MUST be in the bathroom. A very happy Clematis. Rabbits would munch on mine here in Somerville, but there have not been as many lately. Hawks? Owls? Other predators?

You do seem to be able to identify your doldrums and get the sails full again. So many moving parts to keep track of. Frankly, the beauty around you is stunning and meditative.

And hard to lose Farmer, your daily companion.

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Susie Middleton's avatar

Hi Kathy. I hope you are well. Have you moved to your new place? I hope you have a garden to tend to help you through this summer.

We still have lots of rabbits. I watched mommy bunny trying to make a nest in the perennial bed right next to our deck the other morning. Not sure it is the best place for her to do that, but last year it was inside the vegetable garden!

I feel like writing helps me recognize the beauty and the good stuff when I am in my head. It sort of forces me to go looking for it if I can't see it. But you are right - the beauty around me is really something. And I am glad I have manifested a life where I have access to it every day - hard to do that but worth it. Xo

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Kathy Martin's avatar

Have not moved yet. Starting the process. I will no longer have a garden. I've gardened my entire life. It's hard, but I need to be able to leave a place for months at a time.

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Susie Middleton's avatar

I get it. The freedom will be nice!

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Kathy Martin's avatar

typo " should be: all HIS stuff"

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Sue Carroll's avatar

I’ll be adding that book to my summer reading list!

I skipped the first Farmer’s Market for the reasons you mentioned plus I had recently stocked up at MGF. I’ll go Wednesday. Not so busy.

I think you are MUCH better at doing things to chase the blues away than I am!! I love summer but it takes me awhile to adjust to the pace. 🏃‍♀️

I

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Susie Middleton's avatar

It does take a while to adjust, Sue - like maybe all summer! And believe me, I had to pull out all the stops to lift my mood up. What worked best this weekend was just being outside gardening and ignoring my work - ha!

I'm going back to the market on Wednesday to pick up my fish CSF but it will be a quick grab and go! Hope to see you at some point.

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Lorene Edwards Forkner's avatar

I completely agree with fantasy home renovations as a creative practice. I get a lot done in my dreams

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Susie Middleton's avatar

Right?! You can do anything!

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Julie McCoy's avatar

Love this story! We have Matisse cut-outs too. A poster from MoMa of vegetables that we hung in the dining room.

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Susie Middleton's avatar

ooh, I think I need that Matisse cut-out - I collect vegetable art! Thanks for letting me know. And yay that you hung it in the dining room.

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India Knight's avatar

Such an honour to find myself in your beautiful post! Thank you so much ❤️

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Susie Middleton's avatar

Can’t wait for that book!

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Martha Hall  Kelly's avatar

This post made my day. Thank you for including TMVBABC and all those gorgeous photos. Love that clematis!

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Susie Middleton's avatar

You are welcome! I truly was sorry to part with those characters when the book ended!

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Ethel Waterman's avatar

Hi Susie! Once again, your words have uplifted me! I suspect that putting them down for you to process has been really good for you, as it will be for others to read them! We all have these up and down periods in our lives, and knowing that we’re not alone in this place is so inspirational! Thank you for sharing, Susie!

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Susie Middleton's avatar

Hi Ethel! I know you understand! And yes, writing this really helped me see all the good stuff! Hope you are well.

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Maria Rodale's avatar

The first time I had Lyme I tested positive. The second time not. But my dermatologist (!) said the tests don’t work that great and prescribed me doxy, which cured my rash.

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Susie Middleton's avatar

Part of the problem is that my bullseye rash disappeared quickly!! But there certainly is a chance of false negative!

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Maria Rodale's avatar

Always take pictures of the rash.

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Susie Middleton's avatar

I did!!!

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