A Different Visit

Hello, hello.

It's been a couple of days. 

I have a family situation that's upsetting and it's taken me out of sorts. I also have a cold -- dang. 

But, no need to go into either. Let's stick with the good stuff.

I volunteered on Friday in a refugee community with a lot of need.

Felt good.

Love visiting this community.

Lovely, friendly people.

Lots of hugs (probably where I got the cold).

I also coordinated a drop off of a never-used bike a friend was going to put in the trash --  no one wanted it. There are organizations that focus on specific donation items. I got the bike from the friend and delivered it to Global Spokes. GS will get this bike to a family that relies on bikes for transportation. They were thrilled with the bike she gave away.

I say this to remember it's worth effort. Maybe that's all someone can do (a bit of effort), but it makes a difference. Someone had mentioned this organization to me a few months ago. This friend texted to see if I knew anyone who wanted a bike. Then the coordination, effort, couple of weeks trying to get it to them. 

All worth it. 

Networking. 

Taking on an itty bitty project. 

It was a chain of moments that came together to get a bike to a person in need. 

Lots of hands. Community. Connection.

I'm in Asheville for a few days to decorate for Christmas. 

A bear got to the pumpkin before I could ... hah. This was the pumpkin a friend dropped off when she was in Asheville. Sat on our porch table. Luckily, he left the table alone. Cleanup on the agenda today.

This Asheville trip looks different ... my usual isn't happening. 

But ...

I unlocked a super fun Asheville thing. FB marketplace. Why haven't I thought of this before? This is an art town and I'm looking for used art for the bedroom redo. Hello. 

I have 2 meetups today (so far -- a number of inquiries pending). I'm so excited. I have to go find cash though. I didn't anticipate this kind of shopping. 

I started and finished the books for bookclub yesterday (quick reads). We have 2 book choices -- read 1, 2 or neither (low key stakes to attend). I bought one used (very good) and one library (didn't like it). That was lucky (library didn't have the other one).

Loved this sweet book.

Missed the mark for me.

Funny how similar the subject matter, title, even author name. Two different experiences though.

I also picked the book(s) I'm giving for the book exchanged. Two short (and fabulous) young adult reads. Both came from the library, so I ordered used copies. Stay tuned. We're wrapping, writing clues and first sentences on the outside -- fun and creative. I chose these because this is such a well read group. How can I give a good book they haven't read?? No one reads young adult though. Perfect! Whoever gets my package will love these quick, happy, uplifting books. 

Today is a mystery day.

Going with the flow.

I decided to use this trip to take gentle care of myself. No pushing. No goals. Letting myself do whatever feels good as long as it's not something that will ultimately make me feel bad (stuffing my face with cake).

I'm not working out today and didn't yesterday either. 

I'm having as much decaf teahouse as I desire. 

I'm driving partially to the teahouse to avoid the big hill climb on the way back.

Reading. 

TV (if I want). 

Shopping for Christmas. 

This isn't my normal walking, nature focused trip. I don't have it in me -- physically or emotionally.

I want (and need) to fill up in a different way. That's starting with letting myself feel like crap. I'll get back to other things when I get home. 

I need to take some pressure off before a hard week ahead. 

Vet appointment on Tuesday to discuss end-of-life for Monti.

Tense volunteer visit on Wednesday with people going through a tough transition. 

Thanksgiving with our family upset. Not looking forward to pretending and possible worsening of the situation as we'll all be together with some in-laws.

Thanksgiving is an emotional time for me. I saw my dad for the last time on Thanksgiving (and that trip was almost postponed to the following year). He died unexpectedly 2 weeks later at age 53. I miss him a lot this time of year AND am eternally grateful for that visit. Melancholy time.

My mother used Thanksgiving over the years to be her worst self and caused a lot of strife around this holiday. She's at it again, but we don't speak ... grateful for small favors. 

This is the second year we've had our family dynamics at play that have caused hurt feelings, arguments, etc. It breaks my heart for all of us. We're working toward mending fences, but it's a slow go. Thanksgiving somehow is a marking point for tension between people in our family and the in-law sets. I have no idea why.

Holidays bring the best and the worst. 

Okay, enough for today. Have a good Sunday. Later gators.