Monday Musings, August 17
My husband mentioned this past week that he feels like we are in the movie Groundhog Day, where every day is the same as the previous day. Our lives do seem to be ‘stuck,’ as is most everyone else’s. This monotony can take its toll on you if you don’t find a way to break the cycle.
I found that I was pretty busy at the beginning of the shutdown, but that my productivity declined precipitously for the past month or so. I’ve had a stream of days weeks when I couldn’t point to one thing I accomplished.
We decided we needed a new ‘project’ to keep us busy and occupied and so we are tackling sanding and refinishing a very sad Teak table and chairs that we inherited. It is currently just one very large splinter and completely unusable, but taking up space on our deck. I am also going to paint our guest room, which currently has no personality…not even a picture hung. My plan is to stencil one of the walls, get some art hung, and figure out a ‘look’ for the room.
If, like us, you are feeling a little ‘groundhog day-ish’, see if you can’t find a project to keep your mind and hands busy for a bit. Wouldn’t it be lovely to have some accomplishments to point to when we finally do get out from under this cloud?
In recent years, I have really grown to appreciate Orchids. If you chose one correctly, you could have flowers for months! In fact, I find myself purchasing one every 6 months for long-lasting flowers on my mantel. In addition to the Orchid on our mantel, I like having fresh flowers on our dining room table but buying fresh flowers every week can become costly. So, I decided to use the stalwart Orchid and combine it with another long-lived indoor plant, ferns, for a long-lasting, living centerpiece.
I am still on my quest to reduce kitchen waste. I am actively ‘inventory-ing’ my refrigerator and freezer as I plan my meals to use what needs to be used. This Baked Omelet Recipe is one of my go-to meals that helps me use the bits and bobs of leftover cheese, meat, and vegetables.
I spent this past rainy Saturday canning vegetable and chicken stock and baking. Our son heads back to school (fingers crossed) this week and so I am baking all his favorites before he leaves. This Snickerdoodle Cookie Bar recipe is one of his favs…now I just really need him to finish them off before I do!
I know I keep promising, but I have a slew of knit projects that are *this close* to being published. Remember how I said I am having a hard time getting things done? Well, yeah…
So, we are a little more than 4 months from Christmas…WHAT? When we think of projects to keep us busy, building your Christmas Gift Stash is surely one way. Check out these DIY Gift Ideas That Don’t Scream DIY!
Well, my friends. I am off to get my day started.
Wishing you happiness today and always!
Hugs,
Lynn, I so needed this inspiration and encouragement and just the general I’m not alone in the feeling I’m not as energetic or accomplishing as much as this pandemic time continues! Thank you! I look forward to hearing from you every week. It feels like a note from a good friend. Thanks!
Aw Sheryl,
You made my day. I look forward to ‘chatting’ with all of you each Monday as well! And I promise you, you are not alone in struggling with the ‘sameness’ of our days and the disappointment of cancelled events. We will get through this! Make sure to give yourself some grace…it is surely needed right now.
Hugs, Lynn
Lynn,
You nailed it! I was searching for a word or phrase to describe the mundane feelings that have arisen with the whole “stay home, stay safe” thing. I found myself using the French word “ennui”. But, “Groundhog Day” – that was it!! We are very content and love and appreciate every day, but I find myself saying amid the daily sameness, “Here we are again.”
I have kept busy with creative design projects successfully completed as well as crochet and knit projects. Rearranged the living /dining room several times, and painted an accent wall in a delicious color called “jalapeno jelly” – that was fun!!
Hi Deborah! Yes, ‘mundane’ really does capture the day as well. Nothing really to look forward to. I know it is silly, but I love college football and was hoping against hope that this fall would at least bring us some entertaining football games…but is increasingly unlikely as well. Trips we had planned are now cancelled. Like you, I am appreciative for our health and well-being, but man…I could really use a diversion!
Well done you for all those completed projects! I have accomplished a few tasks, but still have a few more…if for no other reason that to have something to do!
Hugs, Lynn
In Groundhog Day and didn’t really recognize it! Love it! We did get a lot done and not done. It’s changing with less hot days and one’s return to college later this week. Hope my productivity increases!
Right!? It’s a spot-on analogy! We have our youngest heading back to school later this week as well and think that will jump-start my productivity as well. At the same time, we all need to give ourselves a wee bit of grace during these crazy times.
Hugs to you, my friend.
Lynn