Life has turned on its head in so many wonderous ways. When I look back through the years of journal entries during the hectic years of truly happy times, I wrote less. I was tired. The past seven days have been full of transitions including my own little jump into the age of sexagenarian. I forgive myself for taking less time to sit with my thoughts and write if it feels forced and squeezed in to my day.
Perhaps even just saying that I am gong to post fewer but more thoughtful and better crafted episodes, will spur me on to continue…
My question is why publish something you’re are not inherently in love with, for the sake of filling a quota?
After 42 months with very few misses, I think I’m going to spend more time participating in the joyousness of having five new beings in my life. It may cause me to miss a day or two here. Thank you to all who slog through my addled thoughts. I value you far too much to squander your time on less than the best I can give.
Alice and Chuck taking a break.
Therapeutic Misadventures 
What a wonderful birthday present to give yourself! I always enjoy reading your “addled thoughts”, musings and rants but I would rather see fewer of them than to know you have burnt yourself out trying to fill a self-imposed quota.
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Thank you Laura. I can put more pressure on myself than anyone I know. Time to stop and smell the peonies more often!
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Reblogged this on xdayschocolate.
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There are only so many hours in the day and with an ever increasing number of passions and interests, loves and activities to pursue, something has to give. I’m with you Martha. Writing posts has given way to sharing photographs and participating in photo challenges — all of it provides joy and satisfaction but so too does bicycling, hiking, cooking & baking, my new adult coloring books (!!!), travel, wineries and blues music, golf, spending time with family, photography — and have I mentioned that I want to start running again?
Pesky work, I like to say, always throws a damper on things. That and household chores, grocery shopping, watering plants and landscaping concerns. It’s what, I believe, they call Life. And I guess we wouldn’t have it any other way! That said, oh, but to win the Lottery, eh? 🙂
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Now Julie, we all know winning the lottery wouldn’t solve everything, it certainly would help with the pesky stuff like housework!! Thanks for your kind words and support!
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I hear ya! I’m in my mid forties and realizing being present, truly present, versus thinking about the next adventure, obstacle, job…whatever…is truly da bomb!
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Thank you Andi, I am just going to take it back to writing when I’m inspired instead of feeling “forced” to produce on a daily basis. Not fair to my readers when the inspiration is lacking.
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I admire anyone who can do a daily blog. It’s a ton of work and I can barely make two posts per week. Relax a little, enjoy life and let inspiration come.
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Thanks, I appreciate the support. I just need to catch my breath!!
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Too right to all above! I tend to write a whole pile of rubbish, leave it, come back to it and then usually have enough that isn’t too rubbish to put on during the week. Then I only write when the mood takes me.. Don’t know how the professionals do it. And let’s face it a picture of Alice any day makes one smile! (How’s the shop?)
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Thanks Cheryl. I work on a lot of drafts on weekends but lately things have been so wonderfully busy I feel like I’m just “pushing it” to meet my quota. Perhaps Alice should have her own blog?
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Definitely!
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Writing quotas help for as long as they help. You are wise to know how long that lasts! Looking forward to your thoughts, whenever they come.
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Thank you Susan. I love your thoughts on quotas. Shifting perspective is key as we work our way through life.
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Such a poignant post, Martha, and it immediately brought to mind a segment of a Ted Radio Hour podcast I listened to a couple of days ago. I’m posting the link to you here. http://www.npr.org/player/v2/mediaPlayer.html?action=1&t=1&islist=false&id=414999589&m=415495729
The whole hour on “time” is fascinating, but I think this segment may speak to you as you and Laura Carstensen seem to share an impressive amount of perspective. I hope it might resonate.
Here’s to quality over quantity. Cheers!
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Thank you Shelley. This podcast was perfect for where I am in life right now. Amazing that she says in 2015 there will be more people over 60 than under 15. We are in a very interesting time right now…
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Somehow I sensed a restlessness or something in your posts. Slow living is a gift we can give ourselves…a gentle pruning of the forest life grows around us. “Joyousness” That is worth seeking and holding on to…and when something starts to feel forced, it is time to take a look.
Well chosen plan. There’s so much going on out there if we just notice – a buffet to experience – to pick and choose from. Go out – go play – go live…. and circle back once in a while wen you feel like it….of course doggy pictures (with a bit of a note) will always be of interest.
(after a week off line during a sudden last minute trip, I’m thinking of backing down, too. Now if this darn foot/ankle would just heal a bit…and if I can get to a cooler place…then outta blogland for a bit)
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a gentle pruning of the forest life grows around us — perfectly put. Thank you. Your wisdom is appreciated. Hoping you find some place cooler soon!!
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I don’t think I’ve ever read a post of yours that didn’t make me smile. Enjoy your rest though.
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Thank you, Marie. I will catch my breath and hone my skills for a while. While I do that, I will also be soothing myself with your walks and history lessons.
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I enjoyed reading youur post
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