Illustration Friday: Shades

Illustration Friday: Shades, a photo by Sultry (packing and on the move) on Flickr.
I don't know how many kinds of shade/shades there are in this image,
but there are as many as I could think of and render.

My many hued life

Journal Title Page: "My many hued life"
Originally uploaded by Sultry

Started my my new journal yesterday, colored it this evening.
I'd hoped to finish the old one so this would begin on January 1. But in the grand scheme of things, this is close enough. (If government contractors can be "off" by billions of dollars and several years...)

Apparently it's not just me

The table above is a few years old, but I haven't heard that recent years are much different. It shows the average number of people who died per day by month in 2004.

More people die in January than other months. In my practice over the past 2 weeks I've gotten two sets of families who had a child die and another family where the husband/father died.

Only the husband/father died from natural causes-- an apparent stroke or heart attack after which his car ran into a light pole in a grocery store parking lot. One of the children was a teenager who was riding with a friend driving wrecklessly (there's an ironic word) who drove into a tree. The other kids in the truck survived, but not this one. The other "child" was a woman just beginning independent life on her own, engaged, teaching school, etc. etc. Swerved to avoid a deer and hit a pole.

It happens. And I know (pretty much) how to help people grieve without getting stuck in depression or rage. But mere listening takes a toll.

Count your blessings while they last.

Last post of 2008!
Well, even with the extra second (to keep us punctual), it is almost 2009.

I've been thinking about the new year, resolutions, and the pros and cons of making them. Usually, I recommend against resolutions, but advocate for plans. Some combination of both is probably the best.

Year before last I attended the Knitter's Review Retreat in Western Massachusetts. This year, there was a timing conflict with a long-anticipated trip to EASTERN Massachusetts to visit DS and DD. But after we returned home, I got the letter that Clara had invited all the KRR participants to write to themselves for "next year."

When I read that letter, I realized that my "wish for myself" was almost entirely fulfilled.
I took control of my health and weight.
I enriched my relationship with my husband, DD and DS and their significant others.
I expanded my artistic/creative/expressive pursuits.

And I was pleased.
My inner self is blossoming. Again.

Funny how in circumstances like that, I never write "triple my income!" I should probably include that in my letter-to-self for 2009! I know I will expand my psychotherapy/coaching practice, and paint, and knit... maybe even finish those UFO's that orbit around the house. while continuing to build on the successes of this year.

To all who have encouraged, nudged and responded here (and elsewhere)..
you know who you are!

And in case you are looking for something to think about (now that the election is over), here's a piece I did years ago, that still resonates with me. Be well.

Interesting Day

Crises and Opportunities

I had thought this might be "too busy" a day, but it wasn't.

Since I worked past the wee hours with my newsletter (see below!), I slept in a bit late and then met the wonderful Ninotchka for coffee and chat mid-way between her place and mine to catch up. She is so ebuilient and such a devoted mom. A real pleasure to spend time with.

She ran off to be an editor in her daughter's school classroom, so I actually got to TheBonnyStudio a wee bit early.

I intensified the background preparation for my planned orchid painting. This may look boring, but I blended 4 colors together and think I managed to do so without any sharp edges remaining. Next session I'll have the task of painting in a shelf and a sketch for vase, orchid stems, shadows and (oddly) an egg.

o/c 12 x 12
I also declared the "red" abstract finis. ( I titled it Red Chili Scramble) I may do a series of hue-based abstracts. There's a pinkish one in progress.

Then it was off to physical therapy. CUTE PT guy took the place of the gal I expected (she had a cold after a trans-pacific airline flight). He worked me pretty well, but I feel better and have some good exercises to do that don't require equipment.

Then off to see clients. Sessions seemed to go well, though it's time that tells.

Sadly, I had a phone message from a long term client who had a "bad" mammogram. Her physician apparently sat on the referral for quite a time, which angered me no end. Client lacks the support she deserves (and probably needs). I hope that she can get in for a secondary consult, biopsy and whatever else is needed quickly. We really MUST do something about health care in this country.

And then it was home to Hubby who is having neck pain and his own computer virus. I hope I am being as solicitous and caring to him as he always is to me... but I'm worried. Our PCP sent him for an MRI, gave him a Rx for his suddenly high blood pressure, and for pain. Nothing is numbing the pain.

I did make him laugh a few times (when The Daily Show ran commercials), and the cat is keeping him company.

Tomorrow is a light day business wise, and will primarily consist of PRE-TRAVEL errands.

Going to see the grownup kiddos Wednesday! Wheeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!

Wherein I invite an overlap

between my personal life

and my professional life

Many of you know that I am a clinical social worker. Consequently, people call me lots of different things: psychotherapist, couples counselor, family therapist or just "a safe person to talk to."
My office is in North Texas, and sometimes I do coaching by telephone.

And, I also write a newsletter that I send every so often via Constant Contact.

The forthcoming issue is all about how to plan, prioritize and have a good time before, during and after the holiday season. And you can get it free by email, or ask YOUR friends, family and colleagues if they would like to sign you up.

If you've ever thought the turkey was the lucky one at Thanksgiving, you'll like this issue. Anyone can get their feathers ruffled by the nutty relatives in a family, or by unresolved feuds that get stirred up. Anyone can get overwhelmed by obligations, costs, or too many traditions.

Does your family travel between now and the New Year? Identifying what is most important to you will make it a lot easier not to sweat the small stuff. Choose what is important; plan for that, and you'll find it easier to tame (or ignore) speed bumps or turbulence in your glide path. That's what it takes to stay relaxed and keep a smile on your face.

Future issues will cover a wide range of subjects that I hope will be of interest to associates and clients: Positive Psychology, Choicemaking, Relationship building, Parenting as well as self care when grieving, depressed or stressed. I welcome requests for specific topics, as well as questions you might have.

If you would like to be on that mailing list (no fees! no obligations!), this is your chance! By clicking on the "email me" link in the header above, you'll get yourself added. If you decided against it, just unsubscribe when it shows up with your email.