Recent Posts

71

Voicelessness and Emotional Survival Message Board / Re: Adventures in renovations... again

« Last post by lighter on November 13, 2025, 12:34:03 PM »

Can't wait for updates, Amber.  Whatever you spend your unstructured time on....
let it be what draws you to it.

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Voicelessness and Emotional Survival Message Board / Re: Farm Journal - 2025

« Last post by Hopalong on November 12, 2025, 06:42:31 PM »

All in all, it sounds SO good, Amber.

It must be a mildly born-again kind of experience for you to be seeing the way you're seeing now. I can imagine the joy of discovery, the return of clear focus. WOW.

Very joyful to read, and I hope the dry-eye delay will soon be resolved.
Dunk your head in a bucket of eyedrops and worry not!

hugs
Hops

73

Voicelessness and Emotional Survival Message Board / Re: Thought slams: sudden insights that surprise

« Last post by Hopalong on November 12, 2025, 06:37:33 PM »

Did Bill ever share why he didn't divorce this unstable wife?
Sad to spend years so poorly partnered (I spent 7 years that way, twice....)

hugs
Hops

74

Voicelessness and Emotional Survival Message Board / Re: Adventures in renovations... again

« Last post by sKePTiKal on November 12, 2025, 11:49:15 AM »

This fall has been VERY busy with projects & med appts keeping us up and moving most of the weeks. The year before that was the studio remodel (we're not completely done; but very close - just little stuff). I want to be lazy & dreamy -- and explore other things -- this winter.

Hol is rebuilding her work space, this time in the loft in her garage. In her words: making it a space she WANTS to be and work in. And it's separate from the house, so it's breaks up her day, feels like "going to work". Like my studio.

I love my free, unstructured time.  <big grin>

75

Voicelessness and Emotional Survival Message Board / Re: Farm Journal - 2025

« Last post by lighter on November 12, 2025, 11:41:47 AM »

Try not to rub that eye, Amber.
Happy healing.
Lighter

76

Voicelessness and Emotional Survival Message Board / Re: Adventures in renovations... again

« Last post by lighter on November 12, 2025, 11:39:06 AM »

Amber, reading your list of projects brings me comfort, and calm.....it feels like you're creating sacred spaces. Transformation.....of most kinds.....tickles my attention deficit brain.

Right now, I'm pausing.....looking around....noticing what's really here.  What will matter in 5, 10....15 years.  25 years.  Checking myself.... my priorities.....taking the temperature of my girls....the bf....making list, or.....poising to make lists.....the bf and youngest DD are asking for a list.

It feels like I'm leaning over a cliff's edge.....
but balanced. 
Not teetering, or endangered, or whipped and blinded by the wind....
but leaning into it....
over....above, what's below...with multiple possibilities.
A leap? 
Flight? 
Swan dive?
I don't know, but there's choice and choices....
 restored.
HUGE.

Maybe everything.
Small.
Large.
Expansive.
I get to choose, this time.

Lighter

77

Voicelessness and Emotional Survival Message Board / Re: Adventures in renovations... again

« Last post by sKePTiKal on November 12, 2025, 08:21:44 AM »

I've got one project to work on over the winter - my downstairs entry. Repurposing, painting a storage bench I already have, have a board of hooks and two shelves to put up. Beadboard to lighten the space as opposed to the horizontal heavy pine everywhere in the house. Shoe racks.

Hol & I will tackle that, so B doesn't feel under pressure to make it "just so".

78

Voicelessness and Emotional Survival Message Board / Re: Farm Journal - 2025

« Last post by sKePTiKal on November 12, 2025, 08:14:03 AM »

No, no noticeable difference in color perception. My gains have all been in clarity, resolution at distance.

2nd eye isn't happening Thursday. Doc's office called, said he was reviewing my "measurements" and thinks I have dry eyes... to try to more aggressively use the artificial tears and go in tomorrow for a recheck on those measurements. Well, OK. But the artificial tears just made my eyes crust up, itch, and felt sticky. So, I'm trying another brand w/o the propylene glycol in 'em.

My eyes water copiously at night, in the evening. I don't know what standard he's using but I'm questioning this "dryness" definition. Every yawn, sometimes just a cough, or a sneeze will do it.

We'll see what's what tomorrow. Meanwhile, I drove into our local town yesterday - just fine. I notice a little irritation from I presume is the incision; I take it, it's healing. The followup appt is Dec 1, and if it's still bugging me any, I'll let him know.

79

Voicelessness and Emotional Survival Message Board / Re: Adventures in renovations... again

« Last post by lighter on November 11, 2025, 12:13:45 PM »

Contractor very sick....he fixed a small sink leak yesterday, then left.  He might be here tomorrow.....will see.

Unlikely, as the skirting around back deck is on the list.... it's snowy blowy winter cold here.  Blew in yesterday.... unbelievable.

I'm finishing ceiling paint, both bathrooms, and cutting in upstairs bathroom wall paint....door paint.  I can pull up floor protection paper, after contractor puts in last vanity drawer.  We've been taking deep baths in the new soaking tub.  Will figure out shower curtain next.

We found an amazing double sconce mirror, for over the upstairs bath toilet.  SO heavy, but throws soft warm light....is wonderful with the wood vanity and window trim.....carved.  Lovely. Perfect size and shape....oval.  Adds curves.

We're feeling snowed in, but DD's bf went to work very early. Schools and trash service closed down.  I'm planning pork and lamb chops, blackened broccoli, salad with blue cheese and apple cider vinegar,sending will th homemade apple pie.

My sister left yesterday, just before it was too late to get out.  She's already missed.

Lighter

80

Voicelessness and Emotional Survival Message Board / Re: Farm Journal - 2025

« Last post by lighter on November 11, 2025, 11:57:53 AM »

What a great outcome, for you, Amber!  So glad to read your update.

I'm wondering.....do you have blue back?  That's what I really noticed....I saw blue again.