The day warmed into the afternoon leaving the frigid feel behind with full sun throughout the day. Mixed precipitation is expected for tomorrow, so temperatures will remain at or just above freezing for a couple of days. Several people, including me, have noted that the weather feels much like the beginning of a seasonal transition. Spring is still officially about five weeks away, but things seem to be starting that change. Now I do understand that winter will be with us for some time yet -- this is Atlantic Canada after all. Yet, I take hope in the small signs of weather patterns, animal shedding, and migrating birds. Little things can mean a lot <smile>.
Past conversations with friends helped me through the small rough patches of the day. I will need to thank them for their assistance today.<smile> While feeling a bit down in the afternoon, I recalled a comedy routine recommended by a friend. It brought much laughter as promised. While wandering through music videos, one from a good friend reminded me of an older song that brings hope with the lyrics of a wandering soul working to find itself. I loved this when it first came out and still find it can bring a sense of calm. Enjoy!
As long as I can see the light -- Creedence Clearwater Revival
A truly frosty morning greeted me today. A colleague from home said she thought of me today when the temperature dropped. It is cold like Saskatchewan cold today -- high of -10C that dropped into late evening to closer to -20C with feel like temperatures at least 10 degrees colder. There was a bit of blue sky and lighter cloud cover -- so almost sunny during the day. It cleared well by evening with stars quite visible for a change.
A friend and I went to a fund raiser for the summer live theatre season. The plays were announced yesterday along with the actors from here and away. It looks like an interesting mix. The event tonight included a silent auction and an evening of musical performance by local talents. The theme of the evening was Joni loves Leonard, which included some of the well known standards of these two talented Canadian songwriters. I was pleased to hear many wonderful less well known songs. The house was sold out for this Valentine's Day event.
The selections for today come from those covered this evening. The first song contains a favourite line about imperfections -- "there is a crack in everything, that's how the light gets in." The second song has been recorded by several artists, but I chose one by the songwriter to share today. This one deals with the passage of time. Enjoy!
Guess what? There was more snow to move today. It was less than expected and much compacted as temperatures rose. It did need to be moved as there will be a major drop in temperatures overnight and stuff will just freeze solid before morning. Can anyone say ice? <sigh> It is mid-February so spring is getting closer <smile>.
This was my 'me' day -- a 'take it easy' kind of day. It isn't one designed to be selfish, but rather to take some time to rest and recuperate. It is designed to help me focus better at the office tomorrow and actually get some work completed. My big outing was to the store for muffins and the drug store for assistance with the sinus congestion. <smirk>
Today marks the 70th birthday of a singer-songwriter who began as lead singer with a prog rock group in the '70s. During February of 1974, the group had their first charting single. That song is shared here today. An interesting title and metaphor throughout the lyrics make this one a bit more cerebral. Enjoy!
I know what I like (in your wardrobe) -- Genesis (with Peter Gabriel)
The big event of the day involved having my teeth cleaned before repair work starts next week. Much snow fell overnight and had begun as light and fluffy but by morning became heavier, wetter ground cover. My walk to the dental office was like walking through very wet sand -- little traction and much effort to move forward. When I got home, I moved the snow from the path to the street. It was slow work -- heavy and sticky snow glued to the gound in places -- and all with one arm. After lunch wind arrived with sow falling and blowing a bit. Some of the snow blew off branches but much is still stuck there -- looking pretty. <smile>
My afternoon work produced minimal results. One task completed and a couple of others nudged forward. I felt so tired. Early mornings are so not me -- a friend noted that it was good that I was an owl being on the east coast when we need to have a meeting -- as a lark on the west coast of the continent, our meeting times work very well. I can meet later in the day with someone just starting their day. The four hour time difference might be crippling if our locations were reversed. <smile>
A song that the concept of time fit with my trans-continental meetings as well as those within closer time zones. It also was how I felt when waking early for the morning appointment. Some days time speeds by and some days it drags along. Clocks can help to orient people to the current time, regardless of what time we think it might be. Enjoy!
Does anybody really know what time it is? -- Chicago
That birds of worry and care fly about your head, this you cannot change; but that they build nests in your hair, this you can prevent. -- Chinese Proverb
This proverb came to mind today as I walked along the street going to an appointment. Many surprising things recently occurred or are occurring now -- some positive and some not so much. Managing to problem solve these stresses takes immense energy. Being kind to yourself is extremely difficult at times, but self care is necessary to keep afloat. For example, I forgot to buy new contacts as planned in January, likely due to the sequelae of the fall in mid-month. I'm not driving now and walking is a bit treacherous with the icy sidewalks. So, as I tend not to do often, I may need to take a taxi <grin>. There are solutions.
A song that I enjoyed when I lived in Toronto decades ago, came to mind today. The Goffin and King song is from a few decades earlier, but was covered by a new local group -- one that soon began touring more widely. The video shows the original members; there have been several iterations over the years. The song helped me to relax as I got home from the very busy big city to my tiny apartment in a high-rise building -- the first time I'd lived in one. Looking out over the city from my balcony window, this song fit so well. Enjoy!
The day began with an appointment with the physio. The arm pain was so bad yesterday, that it was clear I needed to go for help. I didn't go last week, as things felt like they were moving towards improvement, even if ever so slightly. I had tears while walking to the appointment and a few more while I sat with that amazing whirlpool bath. When asked what was new with me, I just choked out that I was so tired of this thing hurting. That made me feel self-centred -- I know several people struggling with physical and emotional (or both) pain. My arm pain will pass in the coming weeks. Other's pain will improve with time, also. Having the patience and belief that things will improve helps, but it can be difficult to hold onto that feeling. I've worked hard to notice any minor improvement in arm function or feel, but the remaining pain often wants to take over and drain all energy I have. So working to improve or believe doesn't go as well as planned when there is little energy to muster. Now that is battle imagery, the type of metaphor that I dislike using, but maybe that is what is needed in this case.
Working through the emotional flotsam often occurs in dreams -- places of metaphor, emotion and confusion. The song chosen for today uses amazing imagery in the lyrics. I find this one almost relaxing. Enjoy!
Today was filled with bright sunshine that was almost blinding by late afternoon. The angle of the sun is very low, so it hits you in the eyes no matter what. Looking at your feet helps when walking. If driving, this won't help much. <smile> This is in no way a complaint. It was great to see the sun for two days. By evening, clouds were setting in and the north wind picked up just a bit. It had been almost dead calm all day.
A friend took me to the grocery store again this week. What a gift that is. When I can't drive or carry heavy items except with my left hand, this is so wonderful. It definitely brightens my day. The walk to the street has several patches of smooth, clear ice. Not slipping or sliding today as we walked groceries to the house, was also a blessing. The temperature dropped into the evening, and the house felt so warm as I entered it from outside. Another thing to be thankful for today.
Today is the 78th birthday of a great songwriter -- one who recorded songs and wrote for so many other artists that her songs are part of the lives of most boomers <smile>. I chose a favourite of mine with lyrics noting the importance of friendship and caring. Enjoy!
