Recent Posts

71

Voicelessness and Emotional Survival Message Board / Re: Anything again

« Last post by Meh on March 22, 2026, 11:27:59 PM »

This morning I went to a small nearby church due to didn't want to travel. I'm not religious. Mostly I wanted to get out and it was Sunday morning. Being that I had never been to that church before two older ladies clung to me and maybe that was okay or not I'm not sure. They sort of did their inventory of me and realized I am not a super religious person and that I only go to random churches randomly which pleases nobody lol. They made a point of telling me it's NOT a non-denominational church. It took me all day for that to sink in because I didn't much care at the time. Wasn't thinking about their club really but then again that's probably partially why I don't join clubs. It's a club.

The pastor had been talking about how people can know the difference between "still small voice" VOICE and "ego" VOICE and essentially I suppose I think most of it is ego-adjacent. It made me start thinking how the word egotistical has gotten a bad connotation even though we pretty much need our egos. Then I started to think about how children of narcissists MIGHT HAVE under-developed egos. I guess EGO is another term for sense-of-self.

After the church experience I aimlessly went to a farmer's market I had never been to. Didn't buy anything. It's usual stuff like soap, candles, cutting boards.

My feet are sore I think my transportation of last resort are depleting collagen or whatever is in one's feet.

The two women at the church they both told me they had basically grown up going to that church. I can't fathom such a thing. To have a set social-bubble.

I had tried the still-small-voice thing yesterday Saturday and all I got from it was "be where you are" - which of course is just my ego trying to sound wise but not saying much at all.

I don't want to think about it.

72

Voicelessness and Emotional Survival Message Board / Re: Yard

« Last post by Meh on March 22, 2026, 11:06:46 PM »

Sounds like good exercise Lighter. I miss gardening I think it's my favorite thing to do.

Today I saw a rhododendron with almost a tree trunk on it. Also the magnolia trees in people's yards are blooming and cherry/plum trees are blooming so that's all a nice change from winter.

73

Voicelessness and Emotional Survival Message Board / Re: Yard

« Last post by Hopalong on March 22, 2026, 07:55:02 PM »

A LOT of accomplishment for one early spring day, Lighter. Good on you.

I remember and MISS that tired-body feeling after a day of gardening.

Soon your house will be ready for market and you can get excited about your new personal nest at the lake.

hugs
Hops

74

Voicelessness and Emotional Survival Message Board / Re: Yard

« Last post by lighter on March 22, 2026, 06:33:59 PM »

I have sit, and cool down in the breeze, for a minute, as I'm 2/3 the through clearing 10 years of leaf debris under the luyken laurels in front of my home.  Poor poor dear things have suffered such neglect, bc the moss, hydrangeas, ferns, and Linton Roses were heavily favored..... it's just time to do the dirty.

Today, I'm vacuuming leaves, pruning, and feeding the Laurels Miracle Grow, in hopes of bringing them back to their glory.  There's 2 in the back....I should give the wee sorry things some care also, but not today.  They're flanked, by two overgrown Camellia bushes ....now tree sized.  When I went to see how they're doing, I faced was faced with DD, her bf and they're uncovered bedroom window.  SO Lighter.

My heads pounding and I'm pink faced......will be lucky to finish the front.

The Rhododendron, near the Laurels, has grown quite large, blocking all views from the street, which is the point.  It's twice the height of the rail, whoo hoo!  I've just cut it back from the driveway....might take the highest couple of branches off, to even it up.

All the Hemlocks look healthy .....all the transplants are growing in every direction!!  Very happy about that.

Lighter

75

Voicelessness and Emotional Survival Message Board / Re: Anything again

« Last post by Hopalong on March 22, 2026, 01:38:07 PM »

I hear that and I get it.
It shocks me at times when a wave of loneliness comes.

Eventually my sea settles again.

Some days I'm okay with being a speck on a speck in a speck of a universe.

Other days I can't BELIEVE how on my own I feel.

But if I distract, or create (anything) or even tidy up, I get through it.

hugs,
Hops

76

Voicelessness and Emotional Survival Message Board / Re: Anything again

« Last post by Meh on March 21, 2026, 11:46:22 PM »

Oh, haha, well I am not truly in a situation to get any sort of pets.

Merely lamenting random thoughts of various types of being lonely I guess.

77

Voicelessness and Emotional Survival Message Board / Re: Anything again

« Last post by Hopalong on March 21, 2026, 04:27:00 PM »

God, your cats sound FANTASTIC, Amber!

I'm wondering if at 75, I could have "outgrown" the allergy?
Only one way to find out. One allergist appointment for one test.

I'm sorely tempted. Willing to do the shots, even.

Meh, could a cat or two do the job? They really are cheap to support.

hugs
Hops

78

Voicelessness and Emotional Survival Message Board / Re: Anything again

« Last post by sKePTiKal on March 21, 2026, 10:14:05 AM »

Much as I love Knuckles, I'm really more of a cat person. It's not true that cat are more independent, it's a matter of degrees and the personality of the cat. Freddy is totally capable of being a fulltime outdoor cat; but he is very affectionate - without being needy. Pickles is enjoying outdoors more now, but still comes to curl up on my lap for pets and a doze. She also "puts me to bed" at night... Stinker is my big armful of cat; he's all muscle - but such a lovey boy and is going through a "needy" period. Lucy is the funny kitty, all rolly "pet my belly" - IF you can. And even Jack - the Prince of Darkness - who will stay out all night hunting - will occasionally request a pet or three and make biscuits on one of the blankets.

Care wise, I think cats are easier. If I'm going to be gone for a week, I can set out enough crunchies for them till I get back. Litter boxes need scooping, but that's not so bad when they're outside more often.

79

Voicelessness and Emotional Survival Message Board / Re: Anything again

« Last post by Hopalong on March 20, 2026, 01:54:29 PM »

Nice memories. My town was pretty small in the 50s (say 15,000) but the University adds a lot of people. It's still bucolic in most neighborhoods but the newer developments are ticky tacky, imo -- HMOs drain all character. (Trying not to be NIMBY.) Still, loads of trees everywhere, and views of the mountains make up for anything. I painted my place a sagey light green with a BRIGHT blue door. Every house is its own thing.

Kids? There are still kids? Indoors on screens. Sigh. Pound puppies or senior dogs can be free or super cheap on "seniors days." Good luck....my souldog was $50 (recovering from surgery) and they will reduce it if you're strapped. They also send you home with a crate, leashes, toys and food to get started. If you sign up to FOSTER, the dog also gets free veterinary care indefinitely. For a small dog, food is cheap. Disclaimer: this Pup was so picky at first it took a fair amount of wasted food before I found the kind he's impressed with (Sundays is the brand). A quarter-cup twice a day doesn't break the bank. Plus he gets tidbits from me a lot: corners of sliced cheese, a little veggie soup, etc.

I gave all the other food to my neighbor and she/her pooches were happy.

hugs
Hops

80

Voicelessness and Emotional Survival Message Board / Re: The island

« Last post by lighter on March 20, 2026, 10:06:52 AM »

Honestly, Amber....
maybe.

It's depends on final outcome, imo.

Lighter