Category Archives: Halloween

The Fog

Chronic Illness, Depression, Halloween, PTSD

The fog is rolling in and creating an eery feeling for the night before Halloween. A slight mist seems to settle on my nose and glasses. The pup continues to frolick and run with a stick she had pulled off a tree; at least she isn’t dragging the whole tree around the yard again.

I am so excited for tomorrow, another Halloween and another birthday. 147 now? I can’t remember after this long, but am so mesmerized by what Halloween or the day of the dead is for me, I am so excited for the morning.

As a girlfriend said this Halloween morning, she woke up at the witching hour, I laughed and told her not to worry, she was safe. From the power outages in the day, the endless feeling of eerieness and spookiness at work, it added to the hotel California season that I love so much. More lanterns and pumpkins were added to the yard, my cricut was amped up making my spooky signs and the candy was wrapped up in the box so I did not sample too much, and actually had some for our treaters.

The costumes from beautiful princesses, to  scary zombies and amazing handmade ones show casing their talent; the pup and I took it all in, or I should day’s Scooby Doo and Shaggy did. She barked a few times, then would settle out as the kids would start talking to her and she would get a few pets.

It was a great night, and who wouldn’t love that you can be anyone you choose on this day. Your mask can come off and you can even be yourself. You get to give something small, like candy or stickers to make people smile or laugh. You can frighten some, and be creative in your design with the endless possibilities of yard decorating.

It is a highlight for me, and it also signals the next phase, a new path and opportunities. I made it through a month that has challenged me greatly, that gave me heart ache and sadness, that created my mental disintegration and changed my world to be upside down.

So for tonight, I am looking at the world from that upside down angle and will see if I can see the next lesson, the next path, the next focal point. One that can help me to develop more into the person I would like to be.

I hope you had a spooktacular Halloween and I will be back soon. I left my car without gas, so thank goodness my broom is by the door to get me to work tomorrow.

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Her treat bucket had Scooby Snacks in the box.

Love always the broom riding, spell casting,Woman in Process

My Value

Chronic Illness, Depression, Halloween, MS, Personal, PTSD

The news is everywhere,the horrible things being said daily by people, tragedies and worry. I decided to take a bit of a break, shut off the world and get to know myself again.

I needed a break, my way of picking and choosing what I would like to hear. Work has been consuming me, my energy low, and I have been spending time by myself to help me strengthen my soul to get me through, all the memories. I needed to find myself, she was starting to disappear again, and I know it wasn’t on a great vacation.

I decided to re-embrace the things that I seem to really enjoy and learn more of what I could. With it being October, I wrapped myself up into decorating the inside and out of my home, working on reading my mysteries, a thanksgiving weekend adventure with the pup and Mr. Jones to see the kids, a stay in a cabin, learning my new cricut (so excited, Mr. Jones bought it for my birthday!)  and looking at everything through a lens.

The pup has been my inspiration and I was reminding myself that so much is still a first for her. As we begin a new season and are watching the leaves falling and then the usual early first fall of snow, she is mesmerized.

I wrapped myself up in taking hundreds of pictures of her and pouring over them, every detail, every feeling; posting them into my personal accounts to share with my family and friends. This was my outlet for my emotions, while I took a break from writing.

Recently someone had asked me who I love the most, my first answer was me, as I have been working hard to learn that and then realized what she was getting at. The beautiful endless photos of someone’s nose, sleepy eyes and energy all being shared. My answer was simple; she (my pup) helps me so much.

This month brought on another first for her and I; I wanted to give her a great gift of just being a dog, socializing and getting to run and play with other pups. When I first began the application and assessment, I was fearful, fearful on how would I be without her? How can I trust someone else? What if? I reminded myself over and over this month to have faith.

Her first day, was hard as stressors had become high and of course a phone call or two were in order to check on her. She loved it and to see her face light up at getting to play with new friends and then the excitement and light up when she sees me to pick her up, made me teary eyed. She is happy, she even seems to smile a lot.

Her happiness, helped increase my value as well. I have been functioning efficiently,  some stressors with my girl caused a bit of a downturn, but it was wonderful to see it change for the better. She too, was dealing with anxiety and I kept praying over the years she would not have to deal with those lovely family genes that have passed all this down.

I am so proud of her, she is strong and immediately looked for help. Sometimes life smacks us in the face to make us stop and give more value to ourselves. How do we keep forgetting is the real question? So well this is a whole another area of hmmmm and thought provoking, I decided I would share a few of the photos I took the past two months. Each photo feels like a piece of my heart is in each one I take. The emotion it creates brings the feeling of a hippo sitting on my chest of happiness, sadness, and sheer joy. It’s overwhelming!  It is just an entanglement of so much more.

I made that new bed for her as the other one somehow was eaten.

She does do more than sleep, but that smushed up, wrinkled up face, just makes me want to smooch it and yell she’s so fluffy! I feel like that little girl in Despicable Me, she has so much emotion at times and the rest of the time, it is like she is hiding it, masking it. (Mr. Jones took the photo of her looking out the window, I just love it).

After an outside adventure of decorating for Halloween, and the pup not sure of some of the decorations; this included big eyes of what the heck and a few growls, I actually finally felt bored. It was awesome! I cannot seem to remember the last time I felt like that, so for me, it was a blessing. My mind is normally going, there is always so much work to do mentally, that it feels wonderful to just hang and be.

I hope you enjoyed some of the many photos I have been taking and I think I may start to venture out again and take a class to help me build and grow in this area. I have always loved photographs as a kid and loved to look at other’s albums. It’s a moment that stands still in my memory. Each picture is worth so much more.

Love always, the picture obsessed, bored, Woman in Process

Hormonal Witch?

Chronic Illness, Depression, Halloween, PTSD,

It’s late as I sit in my bed listening to the sounds of the pup falling into a deep somber sleep and begin to put together the day.

After wrapping myself up (floating rib),I ventured out with the pup for a walk and to feel the change of the season on my skin. The cool feelings it creates, the shiver it brings down my spine and an appreciation of the beauty of the season.

We walk through the neighbourhood, watch three deer, that was a highlight for the pup as I tell her those are beautiful creatures and we need to appreciate their beauty and not harm her and her babies. We watched them, she was calm and content, then walk a few feet more and sit down again.

I didn’t want her to get too close and we just happen to be on the same block. Eventually we were at a corner and they went one way and us another. The sun was starting to set, and we opted for the final leg back on the trails. I have been suffering from more anxiety attacks and anger lately. It feels as though there is a volcano erupting inside me. I’m going to blame it on hormones, but feel that is only one aspect of it.

As we walk, I start to shake more and the trail is not that busy, I hear voices a few times in the area and immediately my heart takes off and I feel as though I want to run for my life. I thought things were getting better?

I realize it means I have underlying items to look at and believe I know what it is. I have opened up so much, and there is this fear of where I am. Not necessarily of anything bad more like I’m doing great and then when I hear something or things go sideways a bit I begin to feel down, worthless and my inner critic pokes at me till I cry.

I have been dealing with some hurt right now inside, and I can tell I am off as the pup follows suit. I was beginning to think she wasn’t feeling well then realized she is feeding off me. She is feeling what I feel. She is being the defiant, fighty, bitey, emotional instigator, to the rage of my volcano of what I am holding back. Holding back because I’m afraid of the eruption and afraid of the outcome.

I use to say not to hurt my feeler to people when I was growing up, that I had one, it was a running joke. The catch is I have so many and people forget at times that we are all just human. We make mistakes, we work hard, we try to enjoy life and somewhere something sticks with us as if we were in grade school and the kids were yelling you had cooties.

The devastation we felt from the taunting, the fear of not fitting in and the fear of no one ever being our friend made us wear the frowns on our face behind the smothered smiles that the shit was all good.

My reflection and tears were soul searching and we decided to clear our heads a bit as we have been practicing running. Practicing you say? Little miss is still in a phase where she thinks if you run, she is suppose to take you down.

So I run, I stop quickly so she is always reading my body, then we go again. She eventually tires from it and puts her teeth on my wrist, the sign that she has had enough. A few more times and we are back to the hill to the house, my sanctuary, my security and the one place where I can be myself completely.

The next few days I am off, sad and happy from one extreme to the next. I really do feel like a roller coaster and put my attention to tasks at work and home. I tear up a few times, my self critic was held down under water in the pool,(just in my head) and I am beginning to come out of this rich dense fog I have been living in.

About six months ago I had signed up for another run and it was last night. I had not really been training for it, but I was nervous and excited at the same time. Fear of course is always there and I venture out with my cane wrapped up in hand, as it was a trail run, I was hesitant on taking it but I have to remember my limitations at times.

There were so many people and I kept myself away from the constant chatter, put my headphones in and focused. I got this, I tell myself. When the countdown is on, I turn to my friend and said see you in a bit and begin to find my pace. A little tougher when so many have the same pace as I. I ran, I sang and I hit the downhill trail.

The ruts from the forest were intense but I found them intriguing by the life they had. The lack of light in the area, they kept changing, adapting and still growing in their own way. I was feeling more at peace and would run, then walk as my right leg begun its drag, I knew I would have to continue more of a walk, as the terrain was challenging, steep at times but fun.

I found myself alone and pulled my earphones out so I could listen to the sounds of the trees and what they had to say. As I did this I found my head beginning a conversation with the big guy upstairs. I laughed later when thinking back as I had been praying for strength to keep me going, determination and to help release the anger that I feel inside. I also had asked for the ability to keep the ms at bay so I could make it in, and I didn’t want to quit. Plus I had no clue where I was in the forest or how to get back, please keep me safe.

I stumble down a hill and see a lady limping, she had rolled her ankle and heard a crack. I offer her my cane and the confused look summed it up and I explained, I had to take it just in case my ms decided something else. She didn’t want to leave me without it, but I insisted or the poor girl would have more challenge getting up some areas. We chatted a bit more and we bid our good lucks and to see each other at the finish line. Back into my zone I go.

My watch is telling me I am at 5km, and the end is near. Around the curve back to the pavement, I asked one more time for strength to bring it in. I was embraced with a gust of energy and ran my way into the end. I had completed it! I did it!

I walked away and was overcome with the feelings inside, the physical tiredness and now my body was shutting down. I found a great spot with with my meal under the tree and sat, content with myself.

It was time to head home and after getting my cane back, I walked to the car with my friend and laughed at it all. We did take the before and after shots as well, just to prove we were there. The catch is the feelings I have is enough for me.

I sneak into the house, as Mr. Jones and the pup are in the back yard and leave my muddy shoes on my feet as I collapse in the chair. I sit there crying, I am more blessed and grateful again for the struggle, the challenge and the feeling of accomplishment. Each time it gives me a better sense of self.

Mr. Jones realizes I am home and comes to help get my shoes off, my gear and gives me a kiss on my sweaty forehead. All night I was in awe and would say I did it, he says you sure did and smiles.

This was another adventure, and the beginning of a new phase, like fall I seem to be changing at a great rate, I just didn’t realize how much, even when things were set back, I was still growing. I have learned a lot about myself this past year and am curious what the next year brings.

I hope your adventures this weekend give you a great sense of self respect, love and kindness to others.

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Love always, the blistered, smiling, Quasimodo, Woman in Process

Attitude

Chronic Illness, Depression, Halloween, Personal, PTSD

I finally slept! First time in a week! I felt as though the Angel’s harps were playing as I arise and begin my day with a lightness to life. It’s glorious and I am grateful to finally feel like this.

As I put on my favourite Beetlejuice outfit, black and white, with an orange jacket and my witch shoes; I am excited to head in, feeling great, ready to take on the day. I rock out in Mrs. Toad’s Wild Ride, (yes, my car is named) with the music loud and heavy, it matches how I have been feeling.

I pull into my destination, the base shaking my body, my head nodding to the beat and feeling as though I can accomplish anything! Uhhh, I spoke to soon. I was feeling, the only word I can think of is sassy; that intense combination of attitude, sharpness, brain on overdrive and the wit of sharp comments.

It kept progressing through the day, but the sharpness of the sassy, began to take over. I began to question where was Mars? I know you think, what? I have been reading up on my sign and how the travelling in and out of Mars, the moons and the alignment impact me. As I read this book for the first time, I really had an open eye and could see the past, the future and the current, drawn out perfectly to how I function. It was a knowledge I only dabbled in before, I am now tuning in to it more to decipher myself.

Anyways, I had issues and crap hit the fan, like everyday life, the catch I kept my sassy to a select few and did not handle any issues directly. I was worried what may come out, or me telling someone I will turn them into a toad, wouldn’t be professional; even though I was thinking it still.

I had spunk, spirit and was alive. I feel this passion inside me like I want to explode! You know the feeling you get when you see a new puppy, and you could just eat them up, not literally! You have this intenseness of love, cuteness, overwhelmingness? That is how I feel so much lately. I have a sharper smile, almost scary, I have this rumble and growl about me and I feel empowered.

The next day was a therapy session and at one point something that took place kind of put me into a different element. It impacted me, but also impacted me differently. I was able to recognize, how I am taking back my independence, (words from a friend) and am going to stretch the next session longer in between.

I am feeling even more like I don’t have to have my training wheels on, I can hold myself up, I don’t need the skating guide, I can flip and turn and twist. I think I may be in a state that I can keep going more on my own, I may be ready for my solo performance. Maybe, I have been ready for a while and this was the push or moment for me to see it.

I’m sure I will require an oil change or tune up at times, but I am starting to see myself functioning so much more. I have creativity exercises consistently, I keep working on crafts, home improvements and am taking things to a new level of love.

The things I normally wish I would say to people, I do, and I see a new surprise from those when I do. I am being me. Good old, not too old, sarcastic, dry, belly laughing, wacky faces, dance off, crazy person that I am. I am being the real version of her. It feels pretty damn awesome, and I know there may be bricks that I stumble over at times (especially if the pup keeps dragging them out of my gardens for toys), but to get this far, when I thought my life was done, feels pretty great.

I do not know what the next few months will hold for me, I only know I can help be the director in my own life.

After a quick overnight trip away from home, (the pup stayed behind with a babysitter; the middle daughter, I didn’t cry when I left her this time, so awesome!) of football, screaming my aggression out to the field, and the loud, “Hit him!” as they try to take down the quarterback. I took in so many moments of awe.

Awe of being in a stadium of 36000 people there, when months ago I couldn’t go out to the grocery store, accepting a compliment from a stranger and also passing one along, when before I would freeze up or feel overwhelmed. These are just a couple of the strides that have impacted my life from the journey I had begun.

So here is to, the next few months, may they hold continuous learning, growth and passion.

Love always the horse sounding, beaming, Woman in Process

P.S I finally finished the first podcast series of book 1; of My Dad Wrote a Porno; my face was hurting I was laughing so hard; tears running, coughing, spewing my drink out when something caught me off guard, it was hilarious! Maybe I shouldn’t have been driving, but it made the hours for the trip pass. You must check it out!
http://www.mydadwroteaporno.com

You will never see things the same way again!

 

 

 

Broom Riding

Chronic Illness, Depression, Halloween, MS, PTSD,

I am loading my car, moving the cauldron over to add items in the backseat. You heard that correct, my cauldron and I should specify my car is a toad. (A juke, with big toad eyes). Everything about me is a witch.

As I am finishing my errands, I prepare Mr. Jones with a text that, there may be a few new witch items that may have come home with me. He roars when he sees them, this is me; some new witch shoes, my new cauldron, (mine got broken ten years ago, lord knows the bowl just doesn’t do it justice) and of course a new broom for flying. (Oh and a few new pillow covers, just waiting for the others to arrive).

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I am afraid of heights, but if I am driving, no worries,  I simply rode my broom out of the store. Yup, don’t care the looks I get, I like to laugh. My sister cackled in the background. My whole family cackles, she said we get it from Grandma Little, I can hear her in my head.

For years, I would decorate the inside and out of our place, to the nines for Halloween, we pulled containers of goodies out. We would dress up and I loved making these great big bags of treats for the kids. One year, I just didn’t do much.

My girl took over the reins and worked on the house, my heart wasn’t there, but we still did up the bags. I was usually adjusting to the new season and had taken a few falls that slowed me down. It became depressing what I could not do, I missed seeing, what I could do. The mind is a powerful tool, or a deterrent.

My goal this year is to rock the heck out of my decorations, as I use to and make it so inviting for the youngsters, I can fatten them up. (Yes, I was referencing Hansel and Gretel, but I really wouldn’t put kids in my oven). I will pull my witch hat out, I have several to choose from and always need an excuse to buy another one. We were trying some beauties on this past Saturday.

I like to choose to spend my birthday watching movies (nothing scary, still dealing with PTSD, that is scary enough), and handing out candy. Some sampling is necessary. I love to see the costumes and the faces of excitement.

I am not one for the big Halloween parties that evening, I love the doorbell ringing and hearing the chorus of trick or treat nice and loud. You can hear the kids making ohh sounds, after they collect their treats and we like to make the bags bigger, so if the weather is poor, a few doors to knock on and you are good, no sense in freezing yourself. I remember venturing out with snow up to our knees for candy, (popcorn balls, wagon wheels and sweethearts), old clothes on for my costume and a painted face; I was a clown hobo.

With the MS knocking my balance off, we added a banister, when some renovations took place to the front steps and the first thing I said, was this will be perfect for Halloween, it is now safer. We added the banister for me to get in and out, but Halloween is always my highlight.

So my little ghosts and goblins, I am plotting my decorating, and will see what I have from over the years. I may need to add a piece or two, to make sure I have an excellent creation and flow of the Spooktacular look. I hope it brings a smile to your face, as I know it will mine. I feel the brewing in the pit of my stomach of excitement and life; an anticipation of the season.

I believe this year, I was turning 128 (at this point who knows), it sure feels like it sometimes, as I drag myself around, and other days, I don’t think I am a day over 25!

Be prepared for my official countdown, for the ghosts and goblin’s day and I am sure everything will have some spook reference. Mr. Jones isn’t in for dressing up in a costume, but but we did find him a Nightmare Before Christmas jersey that he wears that each year, and enjoys.

For the pup, I have had many outfits in hand, (Mr. Jones is usually saying, don’t do it!) but I was laughing, I should keep her cone from surgery that she has been wearing and turn her into a martini, so simple and it’s not too hot for hanging out, in her twelve foot window and watch the activity going up and down the street. I can see her tail wagging already.

I am so excited to see her thoughts, as she processes the costumes and the kids, it is her first Halloween! She loves little ones, but I am sure I will be challenged with the candy bowl who (me or her) who hands it out or who eats it more (her). I may have to pull the big camera out and set it up to catch her looks of shock, analysis and excitement.

Is it too soon to decorate now? Sigh! I will wait till after our turkey day, and then the gloves are off!

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Embrace the darkness, for it is you. 

Love always, the Halloween loving, decorating, Woman in Process

 

 

 

 

Wind in the Willows

Chronic Illness, Depression, Halloween, Personal, PTSD

The wind is bustling, the trees in my yard are coming down and my little forest is being uprooted by Mother Nature. She is angry today and not sure if it is from the turmoil of us humans that have her upset. I could definitely see it.

Signs are blowing down, umbrellas turning inside out and each of us trying to brave the cold and wind to get to our destinations.

With the return home I find trees on the power line broken and a pup who is not feeling well all day. What a time for her to be sick, when the weather is poor and she struggles with the rain to attend to her needs outside.

It is her first real time of not feeling great and I feel so bad for her, I also feel worried because I do not know what has caused her the issues. With that in mind I get home from meetings and tend to her needs. Someone that will help her, clean her up and make sure she is snuggled while she is dealing with it all.

She is grateful and licks my hand as a thank you. She is unconditional love, no questions asked, she is not just my dog.

The sun has come out to play and we have a lot of work to do now that the 90 kilometre  winds have ceased; trees are cut, raking completed, lawn mowed and in the centre of the yard a large green turtle pool filled and ready for pup to have her own pool party.

Excited to be feeling better, she runs, splashes and plays herself out and decides a cat nap in the sun on the lawn and deck are the best ways to enjoy the afternoon.

Hours of yard work for us passed by and no notice of time, no notice of the list of chores we still needed to complete; just being in the moment with the flowers and trees; getting dirty and then relaxing on a job well done, as always with a beer in hand, looking out

I contemplate the day and find, all my emotions seem balanced, nothing is screaming out loud above another, no inner fights taking place with Spook and my self critic. Everything is peace on earth.

The pup is laying in the mowed grass and I gravitate to her and pat her on the head. Then find myself laying out on my back, watching the clouds dance and creating hearts, it’s my sign of love from my boys. I am exactly where I need to be at this moment.

The pup lays her head down and I lay petting her, loving her, she is my best friend, my fur companion. She decides it’s time to play and I smile as I throw the blue tennis ball over and over and she runs for it, well more of a saunter and then jumps in the pool on her way by, to jump on me and hose me down; she must of thought I was too warm. I laugh hysterically and pick my big oaf up and get her in the pool as she splashes over and over soaking us both. It’s the perfect day.

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I had to run early to the grocery store and at the checkout there is a magazine talking about how our pets can assist us with our stresses and bring us joy. I giggle, I’m good, I know how much joy she can bring; she is bringing a balance to the hurricane inside me.

She makes me laugh, she does make me angry at times but when that sad looking smushy face looks at you you can’t help but just forgive. Yes, you have chewed on two pairs of boots this week, guess that means there is time for some shoe shopping for me and mine must have been out of style.

Glad she is looking after my style as well. Even as I feel so lost on most days and that I am floundering, she has given me so much purpose. I thank destiny for bringing her into my life and I’m pretty sure she is happy.

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Check out that lip! I am looking forward to a lifetime of slobbery kisses from my drooling, smushy faced dog.

Today I remind you to jump in the pool, splash like you are five, get dirty, work hard, enjoy the amazingness that seems to be all around us; kick the shoes off, open the sunroof, and let your hair blow back.

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Love always the spikey haired, beating to her own drum, Woman in Process

Spooktacular Halloween

Halloween, Personal

It’s Spook’s birthday! We wish you an amazing day of Tricks and Treats. Can you hear it, Spook is singing Happy Birthday to herself and is so excited. It is her 147th birthday. Whether you are young or still 29, live it up, dress up, play games and let yourself always be adventuresome. Spook has an awesome birthday video to share and technology has her challenged. She is currently snuggled up by the fire and reviewing how to make it work. I know I heard a lot of comments about turning someone into a toad if not, so I guess that could be me or maybe not.

Have a Spooktacular Halloween!