Not Feeling So Chatty
Why art thou cast down, O my soul? And why art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise Him, Who is the health of my countenance, and my God.
~Psalm 42:11
There's just so little to chat about. I usually can count on a posy or two so I went out to take photos of the garden. Beyond sad. It is. That's because the hordes of Japanese beetles descended and have pretty much wiped out any hope I had of roses or mallow or astilbe or anything. I didn't even plant morning glories this year. So the garden is out; here's a windowsill instead.
Then there's the house all dark and gloomy and rainy for days on end. Out.
Then there's picnics and bbqs and fun summer activities. Not so much.
Retail therapy. Nope.
I can see that I am going to have to change my attitude right off quickly — Little Susie Sunshine I am not.
What do you do on days when it's dark or gloomy and it seems as if the sun will never shine in your spirit? I think I'll go for a little walk. The air is fresh and fine and cool. The humidity is very low. I'm off to the river and I promise that I'll not throw myself in.
☺
So what I'm looking for are little cheery day brighteners that require going nowhere, doing nothing special, and that are absolutely free. Have one?
Hmmm, I enjoy a good book to cheer me. I also like to play music on my computer or phone. I sometimes take a nap. You could make a treat for you and John and drink a cup of tea to go along with it! Call the grands, sew something!
ReplyDeleteYour walk by the river sounds nice! Sorry you're having so much gloomy weather there. It does get tiresome! But being in Florida right now, I brightened at your low humidity!
Cheerfully,
Deanna
I've been gloomy here too but it's because of a lack of rain. Plus the blistering heat, the high humidity, the stinging biting bugs. I hate mid-summer in SE Georgia. And our country and the world is descending into further madness with another World War looming on the horizon, it seems. *sigh* Aren't you glad you asked? *smile* Walks are invigorating. I also spend time researching our respective family histories or reading books on Tudor history. Anything except turn the boob tube on! That makes my gloom worse. I don't even feel like blogging lately. I'm concerned my black mood will spill over onto the pages and depress others. Don't want that. I'd much rather cause laughter than crying. Anyway, hope you're feeling more cheerful soon. ~:)
ReplyDeleteI have lots of those days, including today, which is why atypically I posted only photos. The river walk sounds like a good idea. Stop somewhere and get a New York Cherry ice cream cone and start a conversation with a complete stranger in the ice cream shop. Sometimes it's just a lift to get out of myself and talk to a stranger. OR, make a list. OR plan a trip to Italy - the whole itinerary. And if none of those work, the river bottom is always there as a last resort. (JUST KIDDING).
ReplyDeleteI think the next time I need a boost, I'll plan a trip to Italy! I have some ideas already...it would be fun to research a trip. Glad I'm not close to a river....oh well....I do have those big oceans on both sides of my house! haha! Very funny!
DeleteOh, I can't imagine losing the garden, esp. flowers. That is hard! I prayed for you, that God would lift the dark gloominess. ( I think every woman out there can relate to that feeling!) if not yet, they will. My ideas...how about a fresh coffee, then maybe send off a thinking of you card to someone you are thinking of. How about trying a good recipe when you get back from your walk? I like good books too but sometimes that 'restless, heavy feeling' steals the pleasure, you know? Sometimes I write when I'm feeling low...write out prayers or poetry or prose. or, it may sound cliche but simply count blessings. Sending you hugs from Canada <3
ReplyDeleteWalk around the house and turn on every lamp you own and then light some candles, too. An old movie for later...if the sun doesn't come out. I also like to turn on all the lights in the kitchen and bake bread when it's gloomy (and eat it while watching an old movie). I moved to Florida because I don't 'do' gloomy very well! So I'm wishing you a very happy day and sending some sunny hugs!
ReplyDeleteI usually read my favorite blogs -but sometimes I find my friends are feeling the same way :(
ReplyDeleteMust be in the air...
Hoping that you find your happy down by the river. Mine will probably be at home waiting for me.
Leann
Oh Vee I have had a few of those days recently too. Not much fun at all is it? I didn't even feel like sewing yesterday....gasp! lol But I forced myself to sit down there and pretty soon the hum of the machine DID sound good and I felt a little better. When I tired of that, I decided to call a couple of old friends I haven't talked to in WEEKS and chatted away for a while...that helped too. Then I went online and found out I had won a 50 dollar giveaway to a quilt store...and so spent a good 45 minutes browsing over their goodies...a little more gloom lifted. A brief nap after that (15 minutes is all I needed!) and I went back to the sewing machine. Time for dinner by then and hubby was home for work. I tried not to greet him with my grumpy self. It's hot....it's humid....our air conditioner runs until I can see the dollar signs dancing around the ceiling....I'm dieting and eating is NOT an option....I am at odds with one of my sons (a VERY rare occurrence which I really hate!,,,my Melly is gone and took those babies with her...(did I mention HOT and how poorly I do it?) and it's best I don't even get started on physical aches. Yep, kind of right there with ya...sigh. Good thing there is plenty of other places to push our weary brains too huh? Plenty of blessings to count up and dwell on...a God in heaven who IS in charge despite the condition of this troubled world....First place I am headed this morning is to my Bible and intend to spend some time in prayer. SURELY, TODAY will be a better day! Hugs to you Vee. Wish we could sit down together over a cup of tea and chat our gloom away. Wouldn't bring the actual sun out I know, but could make it so we don't notice!
ReplyDeleteI sometimes go through old craft supplies, and I have actually finished a project or two. I also diig out the books I bought and threw the bag into a closet and promptly forgot about! I look through what is in the fridge and try to make something out of it. My best stuffed bread recipe resulted from doing this once years ago. I catch up with shows I recorded on the DVR. Take a luxurious bubble bath or a nice long nap! Is it terrible of me that I feel that blogging is dying out? I don't have the desire or inkling, even though this iPad is partly to blame.
ReplyDeleteI actually love gloomy weather as it is a time to be cozy. I light candles, bake something good like bread or cookies, do some needlework or do some re-decorating or clean out some drawers. I love all kinds of weather but especially the cozy kind. I sew, read, watch some HGTV or the weather channel if there's a real storm going on somewhere. What I don't like is when it is sunny and hot every single day and it's nice out but too hot to have the windows open or work outside. Walking is the great "cheerer upper" and it is there to sooth us and remind us of all the gifts we've been given. I think you're smart to take a walk....then come home and do something nice for yourself. I hope things look brighter after your walk.
ReplyDeleteOh Vee! I'm so sorry about your garden! I love summer and gardening but the bugs? Not so much. :(
ReplyDeleteA walk along the rivers sounds like a good idea. Nature always seems to soothe my soul when I'm feeling out of sorts. So does a favourite book, a nice cup if tea or a chat with a good friend. I hope you're back to your chatty self again soon! Hugs! xo
Sometimes you just have to have a stern talk with your soul and command it to rejoice. Then be thankful.
ReplyDeleteThe combination of things that rolls one's mind into the what's the point/all is wanting or failing/nothing good on the horizon frown corner gets overwhelming sometimes. Going for a walk is one way to get out of that corner (calorie and $ free!)
PS we have rain that has brought cooler temperatures. That is welcomed here. Wish there was a way to swap weather around until everyone was happy!
ReplyDeleteWe all have these days, don't we? My favorite thing to do to forget my doldrums is do something for somebody I know. Sometimes I bake something and share with a neighbor. Although, my flowers give me great enjoyment and if the Japanese beetles had destroyed mine, it would be a difficult struggle. I love cloudy days because I can work outdoors comfortably. Still, when the spirit and the day are both gloomy, it's time to do something special for someone else. It truly makes me feel happier and I hope it does that for you, too.
ReplyDeleteI listen to really upbeat music! Pocket Full of Sunshine, Here Comes the Sun, A Blister in the Sun, Walking on Sunshine, and Good Day Sunshine all help me get back to my normally happy self.
ReplyDeleteWhen I am in the mulligrubs, sometimes it helps to have a change. If you've been in, go out. If you've been out, stay at home for a few days. Change up the routine. Eat something new. Break the pattern.
ReplyDeleteBut, of course, the real answer is the one you have shared in the opening verse...He is the lifter of my head. Sometimes, a time of quietness, sorrow, discontent is needed to do a greater work in the spirit. I think that we do one another (and ourselves) a disservice to think that life needs to be rosy all the time. Jesus Himself was a man of sorrows. As long as His joy is way down deep, and our mulligrubs do not cause us to be self-absorbed, then these times can be productive overall. 'My strength is made perfect in weakness."
So you ask for ideas, and you get a sermon? I really do hope that you're feeling sunshine in your soul sooner rather than later!! {{Hugs!}}
Sorry about those Japanese beetles...they really are little devils aren't they? I didn't realize you had them up north. Being from Ohio, I never saw one until we moved to KY and then of course here in NC...thought they were more of southern thing...guess not. The walk along the river sounds like the ticket...or at least it would be for me. I actually do enjoy cloudy/rainy days many times too...I like being off to myself sometimes to just think, meditate or pray...or read...or maybe just watch TV. Some days are just like that I guess, huh? Anyway, I hope you will find some sunshine in your day!
ReplyDeleteRainy here and only 57*..yesterday, I decided to be a couch potato and watch tv. I pray you find some chattiness sooner than later (wink and giggles). Blessings
ReplyDeleteIt's gloomy here as well with rain and thunder in the distance. To get my spirits up I like to enjoy a cup of coffee with a good book and soft piano music playing in the background. Baking sweet treats always brightens my day too :)
ReplyDeleteWhatever you do, sweet Vee, have a beautiful day! :)
For me it would be some music to cheer me up if there aren't any fresh donuts in the house. Music does it best for me. Also while the music is playing completing some small task I can tick off my list helps me to feel a little better. May the light of the Lord shine upon you today and brighten your day, Vee!
ReplyDelete:>( So sorry you're having a bit of a downer. If it's gloomy, spiffing up the house, lighting a candle or two, and finding a movie, book, project to hunker down with helps. Sometimes I just force myself to do nothing which is very hard for me but I think sometimes God gives me a blah day just to slow me down. Maybe a little mani-pedi therapy even if it's a DIY mani-pedi? Or how about calling a friend and meeting for coffee!
ReplyDeleteOkay, now I've read the other comments and feel guilty. I think you should take Diane's advice. Let me know when the bread is out of the oven and I'll come watch a movie with you.
ReplyDeleteThe blues... we all get them don't we.
ReplyDeleteI find a walk is the best thing, fresh air and a change of scenery - gets rid of cabin fever for me.
What about printing off some of your lovely "grandie" photos and making a set of note cards to send to family?
When all else fails make a brownie and invite a couple of friends/neighbours in for a chin wag!!
Or take your plate of brownie and watch a good movie!
Go to the bulk aisle at the grocery store and buy 36 cents of chocolate. That's what I did. Didn't break the bank, portion control and chocolate craving satisfied.
ReplyDeleteI think I am sharing your blues today. I can't put my finger on it..just everything is setting my nerves off. I'm praying for peace, because two days of this has me worn me out. I hope your day brightens..a walk always makes me feel better, too.
ReplyDeleteMy prescription? If the weather is good, go for a walk. If not, put on some Irish music to get your "jiggly" on.
ReplyDeleteVee, Some times I can get the blues if I have too many cloudy days in a row. Maybe you could look at pictures of past fun times. I like to sit on the porch and write a letter to my sister whenever I feel blue too. I will be thinking of you, xoxo,Susie
ReplyDeleteDearest Vee - I hope that by now you've had your walk and feel much better! Here's one of my favourite prayers:
ReplyDelete"Dear God:
So far today I've done alright. I haven't gossiped. I haven't lost my temper. I haven't been greedy, grumpy, nasty, selfish or over indulgent. I am thankful for that!
But, in a few minutes I am going to get out of bed and from then on I am probably going to need a lot more help! Amen"
Sending your positive sunshiny thoughts. Take care my friend!
I might read a D.E. Stevenson book, call friends and family, work on a zentangle, watch a Murdoch's mystery on netflix.......At the moment, I am loving the cool and somewhat cloudy days and am really busy getting ready for things that won't be over until the middle of August...So, no time to be blue....
ReplyDeleteSometimes thinking of something to do for someone else can really help. Whatever you do, don't listen to the news. It's beyond depressing. I think this is true whatever one's political outlook is. Way too much suffering going on in this sad world....OK, now maybe I need to go for a walk by the river.
The beetles got a hold of my basil.
ReplyDeleteWalking is what I do but that is in the morning as you know. I'm not bothered so much by gloomy days, but if I'm down, counting my blessings always make me feel better. Reading a good book helps me too.
Hope your walk did the trick and your singing happy songs around the house now. : )
Hi Vee~
ReplyDeleteOh, one of those days . . . they are hard! I hope your walk made you feel better.
When I have those days, and believe me, I have those days, I just try to chill. Nothing really makes me feel better. It sounds like you have had too many gloomy days in a row, that always sets me off too. Sometimes I like watching an old movie, or baking something yummy, when my house smells sweet, my spirit generally improves! Oh, if your treat has chocolate in it, all the better - chocolate must be the answer to making you feel better!
Big Hugs,
Barb
Oh, dear...
ReplyDeleteI have a post in draft that is about making your own sunshine...
How about sewing? You might make a pretty apron...or start a patch quilt...or make some pretty cloth napkins...in bright colors...and put on some Ray Charles music...and dance around the kitchen...grab John and ya'll go thrifting somewhere...stop for an ice cream cone...call your grands and talk to them awhile...
if all else fails, bake an apple pie, top it with ice cream and then....go take a nice long nap.
Dang those stupid Japanese Beetles anyway! Several years ago we had them by the thousands. They ravaged everything and littered the sidewalk with their dead bodies. Ugh. I feel your pain. It is just so disappointing to wait for your flowers to bloom and then have them destroyed by those little varmints. Okay, I guess you know where I stand on that topic.
ReplyDeleteAs for the rainy, gloomy days. Sigh. I rather like one or two rainy days for the cozy feeling they produce. It's a different story when they overstay their welcome.
To combat the gloomies in times like that I tend to light a pleasantly scented candle or light some cozy little lamps. A good book or movie is always nice. I try to think of at least one project to keep my mind occupied and provide a sense of accomplishment. I almost always find a walk helps to change my perspective too. Yesterday I took out a box of stationary and wrote a long snail mail. I sipped on a cup of Hawaiian flavored coffee as I wrote and it turned out to be quite pleasant.
I hope you see the return of sunny skies soon, Vee.
Hi Vee, I am late commenting today due to driving John to the dr. I have enjoyed reading all your other comments. I had someone at a local adult care center to tell me the elderly patients often need birthday cards for family members. I have bought some card making supplies and spend the rainy, blue days working on cards to donate. Family friend, Lillie, is one of the patients (age 92) who will benefit from the readily available cards. I no longer can sew, cross stitch etc., but I can make a pretty decent card!! lol
ReplyDeletePraying you get some sunshine soon. I so enjoy your blog and your friendship.
O.k. so I suppose I shouldn't suggest my favorite feel better thing....eating something salty or sweet (if it is very bad...both!). So....I should recommend instead time in a good book, a visit with a friend or a bubble bath. Hugs, my friend. Hope the sun comes out to bless you and the beetles all catch some creeping crud.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry about your garden, Vee and the loss of your beautiful flowers. I like to treat myself to something - a quick little sewing project, a tea tray with a candle or bit of greenery (or both). A walk is the best way to improve my mood most days. Pretend you are in one of the Bronte novels or Austen - those characters always walk in the rain.
ReplyDeleteSorry you are feeling down. Ok...did you get bad news? Do you have a roof over your head, food in your stomach, and something pretty to look at?? Snap out of it girlfriend. Take it from me, we don't have enough time to sit feeling gloomy. The Lord let us live to see today.....even without the flowers! That is a rainbow in itself!!
ReplyDeleteDid that help??? I hope by now, you are smiling!! Talk to you soon!
Aww you sound a little down in the dumps, Vee! It must be the gloomy weather you're having. Oh, if only we'd get some of your rain sent down here to Texas!!
ReplyDeleteOn another note, I've started Enchanted April and will let you know how I like it.
Hope you felt better after your walk. I had four of my grands over and we went to the pool and made ice cream...fun!!
I like it that Cheryl says 'mulligrubs!' And that Sam I Am loves gloomy weather. So do I. I think walking helps me when I get down. Reading, painting, pulling weeds and cleaning are my go to's. Movies are good, to.If something really serious is going on.....I tend to sit in a stupor or walk around the house. I hope you feel better quickly. Being sad is no fun and you may actually NEED the vitamin D of sunshine. I know Amber is that way!
ReplyDeleteLove and prayers from Texas!
Vee, you got lots of good suggestions above, and I hope some of them worked for you! I usually put on some instrumental music and read for a while, or get busy in the kitchen and cook a new dish. If those both fail, icecream or chocolate always work for me! Tomorrow is another day.. lets hope it's a sunny one... :)
ReplyDeleteI feel your pain! I tried gardening in a community garden plot when I lived in Brooklyn and after lots of hard work everything I grew was consumed by Japanese beetles :( I tried again the next year and had the same results so I gave up. I did not want to put pesticides on my veggies. I went back to flower pots in my backyard with success in growing a few things.
ReplyDeleteMy happy place is the public library. I always feel like a kid in a candy shop when I go there! All those books, magazines, newspapers., DVD's and CD's to peruse there! I head right away to look at the cookbooks and then magazines and I sit in a chair and enjoy for whatever time I have. The one near be has picture windows looking at the mountains--so beautiful!
Another treat is to fill the bathtub, put on soft music and soak for a half hour. Then I put on a cuddly robe and sit and read for awhile. Maybe have a glass of wine of a cup of herb tera.
If I'm busy witn the grandkids I take walks with them. The change of scenery is good for all of us and it tires them out so they might nap ;)
Oh dear, Japanese beetles are not good news.
ReplyDeleteHappiness for me this afternoon was getting the power back after two and a half days without. We came to the rented cottage for a nice week and the second afternoon a tornado ripped through the area uprooting so many trees but our abode managed to get through without damage. You could say I lost my sense of adventure when the second day went by without a shower. I was OK with no internet but I like my morning ritual which would normally include a coffee too! LOL
Vee, everyone has good suggestions, so I won't add any, but only say I hope you're feeling better.
ReplyDeleteI don't have the Japanese beetles, I have the equivalent...June bugs. Once they start hanging around the porch light (and give me the creeps), I know they have/and are ready to do their damage to my lawn. Not my fave plants. For some reason I never have insect problems in my backyard. Then again I have swarms of bats there every night.
ReplyDeleteVee, I think you've gotten a lot of great advice in your comments about the summer blues. I sometimes get "seduced" by a gloomy day to just chill and do quiet, peaceful activities. A rainy day is almost an excuse to throw on old clothes, put my hair up, and maybe just read or bake or take a nap. We have a built in excuse (if you feel you need one). I hope you feel more "up" soon. And I'm sorry I've been so remiss in visiting. Summer and all it's activities. I will miss this come winter!
Jane xx
I intend to read every single one of your comments for this one to see if I can find some good spirit sunshine ideas. Usually, a good drive in the countryside helps me immeasurably. I took a new way home from my mother's house a few days ago (which used to be the old way home until I found my current new way home... follow?) Seeing the old sights again perked me up. I saw a wonderful field of sunflowers but didn't have my shiny red Kodak. When I intentionally went back to snap a photo, they had already dropped their yellow. The nerve!!
ReplyDeleteStill, I will leave as my sunshine booster to take a drive out in the country on a road that you haven't taken in a while. Not a new "adventure" road, mind you, but an old one no longer traveled.
...and I just this moment decided that I might blog about this, too. Hmmm.
ReplyDeleteYogurt popsicle made from Greek yogurt, Stevia (1/4 tsp per serving), and Allfruit jam. Stir, pour, and freeze as popsicles! No sugar!
ReplyDeleteOh lovely! That sounds like a refreshing, healthful treat.
DeleteSorry about the loss of your flowers! What could cheer you up? Good music...ice-cream...laughing with friends...and giving thanks anyway. And a walk...like Lorrie said.
ReplyDeleteThose darn beetles! We get them really bad at the beginning of spring. This year the little brown birds discovered their "take out" spots and managed to gobble most of them up. Love them birds!
ReplyDeleteAh yes, I have days like that. I really have to stay busy so as to not get down in the dumps. Sometimes we need that day, or two, or three, when we really just hunker down and be still.
big hugs....